in-mckeesport-fall

FALL 2010 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

ALSO INSIDE:Education for All Ages

McKeesportVo Tech StudentsMake the Most of EveryOpportunity

Plus:Mon Valley Initiative Helps Home Buyers

• • • • • • • •

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IN McKeesport | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 1

, all enrollment, billing, claims, and payments are conducted online – providingy

• • • • • • • •

12 18

McKeesport | FALL 2010 |

Contents

8

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

FA L L 2 0 1 0

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

© 2010 UPMC

What’s Insidepage 2 UPMC E y e Cen ter Mon roev i l l e O f f ers

a Cl ea r Ch oi ce i n R ef ra cti v e S u rg eryT i ps f or Ch oosi n g a n E y e S u rg eon

page 3 Pl a y I t S a f e UPMC E y e Cen ter Mon roev i l l e I s G row i n g

page 4 A re Y ou Con cu ssi on - S a v v y ?S ch ool L u n ch es T h a t Ma k e th e G ra d e

page 5 W h o Kn ew R eh a b Cou l d B e S o Mu ch F u n ?

page 6 A N ew E ra of T rea tm en t f or H i g h - R i sk Preg n a n ci es

page 7 F or th e Perf ect I n si d e V i ew : H i g h - T ech I m a g i n g i n Mon roev i l l e

F or r esi dents of easter n c om m uni ti es

Play I t S afeKick off the fall sports season and keep your kids in the game with this guide to help prevent sports injuries. (page 3)21

Publisher’s Message | 2

SCHOOL DISTRICT | McKeesport School District |Superintendent’s Message | 4New McKeesport Principal Starts Year on Positive Note | 10Cover Story: McKeesport Art and Technology Center70 Years and Going Strong | 8McKeesport Students Gain Exposure to Health Careers | 11Homecoming 2010 | 12Dual Enrollment | 14TigerFest | 16Festival of Bands | 18

COMMUNITY | UPMC Today |Health and Wellness News You Can Use | 21McKeesport News |Letter from the Mayor | 29McKeesport Flyover Ramp Progress | 30Eat n Park Signs 10 Year Lease | 31Meals On Wheels Needs You | 32Nick Shermenti: More Than Just a Public Works Director | 34McKeesport Boosts Power of 32 | 35

White Oak News |Rainbow Volunteer Fire Company | 29White Oak EMS | 30

FEATURES | Automated Hell | Forever on Hold | 39

Education Update |

Planning Your Way to College | 44Alternatives to College | 46

Older Adults in McKeesport |

Good Tidings for the Greatest Generation | 6

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | Broadway Pizza and Subs |

Great Pizza and Great Customers | 35

ON THE COVER | xxxxxxxxx

Welcome to the fall issue of McKeesport. As summer winds down, I hope that you and your family had some time to get away and enjoyyourselves—even if it was for the day at some local hidden treasure spot.Those are the places we love to highlight in these pages.

I met one of our readers while I was finishing up some business withone of the municipalities we serve. He was sitting at a picnic table near aveterans’ monument under a pristine blue sky on a quiet and hot July day. The man recognized my photo from the magazine and said his dad used to enjoy reading about local things.

He explained that his father had passed away several years ago. He pointed to the monument and said his father never spoke about the war, but always talked about some close friends he served with thatdidn’t come home.

“I come by here about once a week or so to enjoy a cup of coffee and listen to the birds,” he said. “We miss him, but here I know that he’s catching up with some old friends.”

To say that I was touched would be an understatement, but you cansee how this one little area can mean so much to someone. Tell us aboutplaces that are special to you – places with history and a story behindthem. Send your story to [email protected] ormail them to Community Magazines, 603 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317.

Wayne DollardPublisher

In this fall edition of McKeesport you’ll find interesting topics related to education.

We thought it was appropriate to address this issue as all of us cansomehow relate to the “back to school” idea. The notion of continuallylearning something new whether in middle school or as an older adult in the McKeesport community, is not a new concept, just one we should consider as the seasons change. A new feature we havebegun in this edition is entitled Older Adults in Mckeesport. We addressthe subject of scams and how older adults can learn to protect themselves. I heard of a couple who was scammed on the phone nottoo long ago - I was so disturbed by the fact that there are dishonestpeople who can find personal information about your family via thesocial networking sites and use it to your take your identity, money and other possessions. Please be careful when speaking to anyone byphone who calls you. Even if you think you know them, verify theinformation before disclosing anything. I hope you enjoy this new feature and I am looking for other interesting topics that are importantto older adults. If you would kindly email your suggestions to me at [email protected] I would so grateful!

Marybeth JeffriesManaging Editor

2 IN McKeesport

IN McKeesport Area is a non-partisan communitypublication dedicated to representing, encouragingand promoting the McKeesport Area School Districtand its comprising municipalities by focusing on thetalents and gifts of the people who live and work here.

Our goal is to provide readers with the mostinformative and professional regional publication in

the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

PUBLISHER

Wayne Dollard

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

Mark Berton [email protected]

MANAGING EDITOR

Marybeth [email protected]

OFFICE MANAGER

Leo [email protected]

WRITERS

Jonathan BarnesKelli McElhinny

Pamela PalongueSandy TrozzoJamie Ward

Editorial Assistant

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cassie Brkich Joe MilneSusie Doak Tamara TylendaPati Ingold Tracey Wasilco

Jan McEvoy

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Garyyonphotography.com

ADVERTISING SALES

Nicholas Buzzell Brian McKeeBrian Daley David Mitchell

Gina D’Alicandro Tamara MyersRob Ojeda Gabriel Negri

Tina Dollard Annette PetroneRose Estes Tara Reis

Jason Huffman Vincent SabatiniJessie Jones Michael Silvert

Connie McDaniel RJ Vighetti

This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2010.

CORRESPONDENCEAll inquiries, comments and press releases

should be directed to:IN Community Magazines

Attn: Editorial603 East McMurray RoadMcMurray, PA 15317Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968

Winter content deadline: 10/21

www.incommunitymagazines.com

Fall 2010

A Message from the School Board President

As the seasons change, our district is thrilled to welcome new Superintendent Dr. Timothy Gabauer and new Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rula Skezas. In these pages, we are excited to feature the 70th anniversary of ourCareer and Technical Program as well as the academic progress that our schools are making. Readers will also get an inside

look at the District's Dual Enrollment and Health Care Initiative Programs.One of the biggest factors in the overall success of our students and our district

will always be our ability to work in partnership with our parents and the community.We hope that you feel welcome in our schools and that you will take advantage ofopportunities to become involved, to learn more about your school district and to be a part of the many things that are taking place.

Members of the school board of directors encourage parents and guardiansto be actively involved, in all areas of the district, by attending board and buildinglevel meetings. Board meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of every month.Sessions begin at 7:30p.m. In the board room at the district administration building, located at 3590 O’Neil Boulevard in McKeesport.

Sincerely,Wayne N. WashowichPresident, McKeesport Area School District Board of Directors

Welcome Welcome to the McKeesport Area School District pages!In this section you will find important information from the Superintendent and the School BoardPresident, and dates and events to remember for the rest of the school year. We have once again highlighted the talented students who truly make our schools a great place to learn!

McKeesport | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

4 IN McKeesport

Dear MASD Community Members,

It is with great pride that we acknowledgea terrific start to the 2010-2011 school yearand recognize all of the students, families,faculty and staff for their efforts. We areexcited to report that the district has metAYP for its efforts during the 2009-2010school year and continues to workrelentlessly to ensure academic growth forall McKeesport Area School District

students. In the following pages, you will have the opportunity toread many articles highlighting the various programs that ourchildren have at MASD.

Our instructional coaching initiative has expanded to enable alldistrict staff to receive professional development services on a dailybasis and promote a consistent K-12 philosophy in the delivery ofquality, research based instruction. The academic curriculumcontinues to progress in its alignment to Pennsylvania Departmentof Education standards as well as national core standards. Aninteractive digital curriculum is being constructed that will allow all K-12 staff and students easy access to their academic roadmapincluding instructional strategies, activities and assessments. We are pleased to report that our on-line grading system, EdLine, is currently being tested throughout the district as a masscommunication tool for the entire community. We encourage all parents and students to update their EdLine contact informationso they can be readily informed with any news that may come out from the district.

Move, Engage, and Assess (Every Child, Every Day) continues tobe promoted throughout the district to ensure quality instructionalpractices in every classroom on a daily basis. Three simple words that equate to powerful lessons in all district classrooms… keepingthe classrooms active, making the lessons engaging, and checking forunderstanding on a continuous basis. We are blessed to have such ahighly qualified teaching staff that is progressive in their educationalphilosophy and constantly steps up to the challenge of providing thebest for all our children.

Keep your eyes open for upcoming information on theconstruction projects as they get underway. We are on the brink of breaking ground in two of the three projects that are guaranteed to generate quite a bit of excitement for everyone in the MASDcommunities. Upcoming issues of InCommunity Magazine as wellas our district website and other media outlets will soon displayphotographs and descriptions as our project progresses.

Thank you for the role you play in the education of our children.

Sincerely,

Dr. Timothy M. GabauerSuperintendent

A Letter From the Superintendent

Wednesday, November 10, 20106:00-8:00 p.m.

Held at the McKeesport Area High School

� Visit 15 Technology Center Programs� Access Representatives from over 40 Colleges & Trade Schools

� Interact with Business Partners� Meet Representatives from Community Agencies

� Get Help with College Planning� Parents, Students and CommunityMembers are all welcome

Education andCommunity Expo

Dr. Gabauer

White Oak Elementary1415 California AvenueWhite Oak, PA 15131Office: 412.664.3790Fax: 412.664.3794Principal: Dr. Tamara Sanders-Woods

George Washington1818 Sumac StreetMcKeesport, PA 15132Office: 412.664.3770Fax: 412.664.3777Principal: Mr. Paul Sweda

Founders’ Hall3600 O’Neil BoulevardMcKeesport, PA 15132Office: 412.948.1310Fax: 412.664.3768Principal: Dr. Karen Chapman

Francis McClureIntermediate School500 Longvue DriveWhite Oak, PA 15131Office: 412.664.3740Fax: 412.664.3747Principals: Mr. Anthony DeMaroMs. Pamela GordonPrincipal of Cyber School/District Technology Integration: Dr. Jane Coughenour

Centennial1601 Beaver StreetMcKeesport, PA 15132Office: 412.664.3750Fax: 412.664.3756Principal: Ms. Staci Fitzpatrick

McKeesport Area High Schooland Technology Center1960 Eden Park BoulevardMcKeesport, PA 15132Office: 412.664.3650Fax: 412.664.3787Head Principal of Academics:Mr. Mark HoltzmanDirector of Career and Technology Center:Mrs. Patricia Scales

Administration Office3590 O’Neil BoulevardMcKeesport, PA 15132Office: 412.664.3600Fax: 412.664.3638Superintendent:Dr. Timothy Gabauer

McKeesport Area School Information


McKeesport Area Contact Information

Administrative Team

Special Education SupervisorMr. David Listorti412.664.3625

Special Education Administrative AssistantMr. Menas Zannikos412.664.3624

District Grants and Special Projects Coordinator/Director of Vocational EducationMrs. Patricia Scales412.948.1363

Director of Early Childhood Education and Elementary CurriculumDr. Catherine Lobaugh412.948.1386

Secondary Curriculum andTransformation CoordinatorMr. Harry Bauman412.948.1310

Principal of Cyber School/District Technology IntegrationDr. Jane Coughenour412.948.1317

Communications/Public Relations SpecialistMs. Kristen Davis412.664.3645

Director of Buildings and GroundsMr. Edward Fagan412.664.3631

Technology CoordinatorMr. H. Ben South412.664.3764

CentralAdministration

SuperintendentDr. Timothy Gabauer412.664.3612

Assistant SuperintendentDr. Rula S. Skezas412.664.3613

Business Manager/Board SecretaryMr. David M. Seropian412.664.3600

Director of Human Resources/Administration ServicesMr. James G. Humanic412.664.3608

Director of Federal/State Programs (Homeless Liaison)Mr. Michael V. Matta412.664.3627

Director of Special EducationMrs. Patricia Tkacik412.664.3622

Director Food ServiceMs. Tammi Davis412.664.3685

School Board of Directors

James L. Brown

Joseph L. Chiaverini

Christopher A.Halaszynski

Mark P. Holtzman

Vice PresidentSteven E. Kondrosky

Dennis J. (Joe)Lopretto

Thomas P. Maglicco

Patricia A. Maksin

PresidentWayne N.Washowich

6 IN McKeesport

McKeesport Area High School PrincipalMark Holtzman has only been on the jobsince August, but says that in just seven shortweeks, there have been changes to the highschool that have improved its quality in termsof atmosphere and academics.

“The big picture is that there has been a collaborative effort amongst the entire staff to supervise and take ownership of the building,” Holtzman said. “There is a better system to maintaining security of the building, the kidsand staff. That’s a hugeand different changethat everyone wouldagree with.”

One of the biggestinfractions that hasbeen taken care of is containing hallway traffic duringclass periods.

“During class time,children are supposed to be in classroomsand they were out in the hallways,” Holtzmansaid. “Community issues were sometimesbrought into the building. Now we supervisethose issues and eliminate them before theyget out of hand. We have empowered theteachers. We now have closed periods – 1, 5, and 8 – during which students are only allowed out in case of emergency orrestroom situation. They have to carry a planner or pass to leave the classroom. They have to return to class with a pass from a principal. That supervision piece has improved everything else because thechildren are supervised and there’s less disruption in the environment.”

Less disruption means more focus on academics and meeting state standards, he said.

“There has been a buy-in by staff to makethese changes to create a conducive learningenvironment to improve academically andimprove instruction,” Holtzman said.“There’s always work to be done, and wehave lots of challenges that are brought in bythe children in this community, but we arebeing proactive and staying ahead of anyissue, as well as improving programming,instructional strategies and curriculum for thestandardized testing and meeting the needsof the children.”

A lot of improving the school centeredaround reallocating human resources so that they could be more proactive and instrumental in overall operations.

In addition to two security guards and twoschool resource officers, teachers have beenassigned specific portions of the building thatare their responsibility. Attendance officersalso play more of a role in the new scheme,and communications between all parties aremore efficient and focused.

“We were able to movetwo instructors out of theclassroom into English andmath coaching positions,and we were able to discussdetails where we canimprove the curriculum to keep the state happy,”Holtzman said. “We’redoing anything we can doto help improve what hasbeen started here and

moving forward with those philosophies.We’re working with what we have. We haveplenty of resources; it’s just finding a way touse them all effectively.”

None of the implemented changes haverequired an increase in funding for theschool, Holtzman said.

On the student side, Holtzman said theyhave been very positive and receptive to the changes.

“They’ve seen the changes and some of them aren’t happy with all the changes,because it affects them and they are now accountable, but they’re conforming to the expectations and it’s becoming an environment that’s a great place to come to school and a great place to work,” he said. “I promote and advertise to my staff that we’re in this thing together, and everyone has strengths. This is not a top down admin team; it’s a shared decision making process. We’re off to atremendous start. All in all, our staff members are proud of one another. They hold each other accountable and they respond well to the direction and vision I have to move the school ahead.”


8 IN McKeesport

70 Years & Still GoingStrong

by Jamie Ward

“At McKeesport Area Technology Center, whether you want tobecome a chef, run a preschool, become a nurse or an entrepreneur,you’ve come to the right place,” says Director of Vocational Education,

Patty Scales. The Technology Center has proudly offered ‘cool classes that lead to hot jobs’ for the past 70 years.

When the vocational school opened its doors in 1940, it housed 840 students and boasted a gym, cafeteria, auditorium, library and visual education room suitable for “Motion-Sound Pictures.” For the first 10 years of operation, the school was for boys only. In1950, a cosmetology program was added, and for the first time,girls attended the school.

In their 70th year of operation, 11 programs are offered:Collision Repair, Auto Mechanics, Building Construction, ChildCare, Allied Health, Engineering, Culinary Arts, Cosmetology,

Graphic and Commercial Arts, Entrepreneurial Studies, and Business. Most classes offered are state approved Programs of Study that

include student certifications and state post secondary articulations.The rigor and relevance of the Programs of Study are considered worthy of articulations which provide students with up to 12 collegecredits following graduation from our high school technology programs.Programs that are considered to be aligned with High PriorityOccupations (HPO) are those that demonstrate a high number of job openings and an annual livable wage of over $29,000. Costs of HPO programs are subsidized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Some programs in the school get a chance to open their doors to the community and provide services to the public. Friday is clinic day in Cosmetology. Tuesday through Thursday, Culinary Arts students serve lunch in the Tiger Inn. Auto repairs are performed daily by Auto Mechanics and Collision Repair students.

Tiger Inn is open to the public on Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday. The Inn offers eat in or takeout lunches for

$4


The Building Construction Trades program is involved in community projects. Each year, students build a house that, whenfinished, is put up for auction. The money that is made off of thehouse only covers the materials that went into building it. The program is soon signing on to participate with Equitable GasCompany in a project where high school students will build mocktraining center modules to enable service representatives of the gascompany to train for actual repairs.

Allied Health students have participated in an apprenticeshippartnership with UPMC McKeesport Hospital and the McKeesportHospital Foundation for 11 years. The Foundation provides fundsfor student uniforms, stipends and Certified Nursing Assistant certification class and testing each year. Students perform real-lifehospital roles under the direction of volunteer preceptors in all facets of the hospital.

Each year, the Entrepreneurial Studies program participates in the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE).This past school year, three students from Pittsburgh’s local chaptertook first and second place in the Business Plan competition.Engineering Technology students are very active with the FIRSTRobotics competition held both nationally and regionally and were recent first place winners in Pittsburgh.

Career and Technical Student Organizations provide studentswith activities that coordinate with their training, community serviceprojects and team work with fellow students. Skills USA providesopportunities for students to compete with students from otherTechnology Centers, regionally. Regional winners will then move on to the state competitions. McKeesport Area Technology Centerhas several CTSOs: Future Business Leaders, the Leo Club in partnership with the McKeesport Lions, The Future is Mine, and Future Teachers of America.

While the Technology Center has gone through many transitions in the last seven decades, the mantra behind the school has always remained the same. That’s to prepare students to lead successful careers.

“The key to a successful and productive society is found by maintaining an educated workforce, meeting the regional, state, national and international demands of the world of work,” says Scales.

For more information on the McKeesport Technology Center,visit www.mckasd.com.

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The McKeesport Area TechnologyCenter celebrates 70 years... and so does Bugs Bunny!

Follow below how the McKeesport Technology Center and Bugs Bunny are alike:

McKeesport AreaTechnology Center

Opened: 1940

Gender: Male programs until 1950

Created by: McKeesport

Character: Tiger

Tiger is Mascot for McKeesport Area High School

Name changed from Vocational toCareer and Technology Center

Has undergone several renovations

Has relied on many voices

Master of preparation for jobs and roles

Always has ear on the world of work

Students always win!

Bugs BunnyBorn: 1940

Gender: Male

Created by: McKimson

Character: Bunny

Corporate Mascot for Warner Brothers

Name changed from Happy Rabbit

Several redesigns to character

Several changes to voice

Master of disguise and roles

Big ears

Character always wins!

McKeesport Area School District was one of three grant recipients to participate in a program administered by theConsortium for Public Education that will give students the opportunity to study and experience a multitude of facets related to the health care profession.

Linda Croushore, executive director for theConsortium for Public Education, said the programcovers all aspects of health care professions from what courses of study to consider, throughfinancial aid, to what kinds of salaries anddemands are associated with each profession.

“It’s not so much to direct them as to exposethem and help them understand the incrediblearray of health care professions, how they can gettheir schooling paid for, how much the salaries are,and open their eyes regarding the career path,”Croushore said. “We give students a chance for trips,where they can roll up sleeves with health care professionals,find out their journeys and career paths, and why their professionpleases them enough to stay in the field.”

Students are exposed as deeply into the health care field as medical practices and patient privacy laws allow, but Croushore said that even a cursory look at the professions out there can provide enough insight for a student to start thinking about their own future in that same profession.

“We will do our best to get them into as many different kinds of health care situations that we can, from a hospital to a research laboratory, to a community health experience, so they can see the hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs available in the profession,”she said. “Equally import is for them to connect their everyday

learning in their subject areas in what needs to be underscored and concentrated on if this is something that they

can do, if they choose to do it.” Funded by the Jewish Healthcare Foundation,

the grant will cover this year’s start-up costs and runthrough next December. After that, the school districtcan decide whether or not to continue the programfor students. Croushore said that she can’t see why

they wouldn’t, given the fact that it’s a very inexpensiveprogram to administer that offers unique opportunities

to students.“Especially in our geographic region – with all of the

teaching hospitals and all of the research that’s going on – it is trulyan amazing opportunity for young people. It’s not as much cost to thedistrict, so much as adopting a way of learning. It’s a future that holdswonderful outcomes.”

In addition to McKeesport Area, Elizabeth Forward and Carrickhigh schools received similar grants. Croushore said students from all three schools will be in touch with each other throughout the program, and upperclassmen who have identified health care as their professional calling will get the opportunity to mentor lowerclassmen. The program also is looking for community leadersand professionals in the health care profession to come forward aslecturers regarding their career choices for the program. They can get involved by contacting Gina Barrett at 412.678.9215.

The Consortium for Public Education works to ensure that allchildren in our region start school ready to learn and graduate fromhigh school prepared for lifelong learning, careers and citizenship.

Contact at the Consortium for the Health Care Initiative: Gina Barrett 412-678-9215


12 IN McKeesport

HomecomingMcKEESPORT AREA HIGH SCHOOL2010Homecoming2010


14 IN McKeesport

Dual Enrollment Gives McKeesport Area Students

College Opportunities While Still In High SchoolThanks to a state grant, eligible McKeesport Area juniors

and seniors can earn college credits while they are still in high school. Called the Dual Enrollment Program, the program enables

students to attend classes at Pitt, Penn State or the CommunityCollege of Allegheny County, at no cost except for books.Patricia Scales, Director of Career and Technical

Education/District Grant and Special Projects Coordinator, saidthe program can save parents potentially thousands of dollars on college courses and give students a leg up on other collegefreshmen who enroll without extra credits.“The grant is for the payment of the total approved cost –

tuition, books fees and transportation. We pay their tuition, fees, transportation, if required, and sometimes books if we didn’t have enough students enrolled and have money left over,” Scales said. However, having money left over

often isn’t a luxury for the district. Scales said that because more and more districts are getting involved in theprogram, the pool of money from the statebecomes less and less. “At one time, we were getting $100,000.

Now we’re getting $24,000,” she said. “More schools have asked for the funding,so every school gets less. At one time, wehad 105 students taking dual enrollmentcredits. In 2009-10, we had 45 students taking 53 courses.”Because of the scarcity of the funding,

Scales said the district proactively seeks out eligible students, sending letters home with them for their parents, informing them of the program.

Eligibility is based on a student’s GPA – 3.0 or better for PennState, and 2.5 or better for CCAC. Each college can set its owneligibility GPA, and a committee from each college works withthe district on the courses that are made available to studentseach year. Typically, the courses are core academic courses, but Scales said there have been exceptions.“We usually don’t discourage students from taking courses

outside of what we have agreed on as a committee; we just haveto make arrangements for that,” she said. Students can earn up to 12 credits each year, so a junior

who enrolls in the program can leave high school with 24 collegecredits – enough to allow them to place out of their freshmanyear of college. “That’s a great advantage to parents with the high cost of

tuition today,” Scales said. “Having earned 24 credits takes themfrom a freshman to a sophomore status, and at a school likePenn State, you would save between $8,000 and $10,000.”

Dual enrollment students also share in a part of the rights andprivileges that full time college students receive,including use of computer facilities, libraryaccess, admission to the student union andbook store and more.Scales said all students in the district,

including those who are in private, non-publicor home-schooled environments are eligibleto participate. “Any of those students can participate in

the program, so long as they reside withindistrict boundaries,” she said.

Parents and students can find out moreabout the program at the district’s Collegeand Career Expo on November 10, or by calling Scales at 412.948.1362.

A.Y.P.The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment, also known as PSSA, measures how well studentshave achieved in reading, mathematics, science and writing according to Pennsylvania AcademicStandards. The federal No Child Left Behind Act requires states to determine annually whether schoolsand districts in Pennsylvania make Adequate Yearly Progress, also known as AYP. The purpose of AYPis to ensure that all students have reading and math skills that prepare them for the future.At the district level, all individual student PSSA reading and math data is organized into three

grade spans: Grades 3 – 5, Grades 6 – 8, and Grades 9 – 12. To reach AYP, a district needs to meet the performance targets for all student subgroups in both reading and math in one grade span only. During the 2009 – 2010 school year, the McKeesport Area School District reached AYP status of Making Progress by meeting this requirement. In order for a District to be listed as reaching AYP, the District must make progress to consecutive years. At the school level, performance targets for all students subgroups at

each grade level (3 – 11) in reading and math must be met in order to reach building AYP. Here are the 2009 – 2010 building results:

White Oak Elementary George Washington Elementary

Centennial Elementary

Francis McClure Intermediate

Cornell Intermediate Founders Hall MS

High School

• Participation Targets Met in Every District School• Graduation Rate Target Met in High School• AYP Performance Targets Met District Wide

The administration is extremely proud of our students’ progress throughout the 2009 – 2010 school year. We look forward to the continued support of our communities to ensure the best possible education for our students.


Adequate Yearly Progress

16 IN McKeesport16 724.942.0940 to advertise | IN McKeesport

McKeesport Area High School Student Counc

il’s Tiger Fest was

held on October 6th. The evening turned out to

be a success,

raising much needed funds for student organiz

ations.

Tiger Fest is a community oriented project tha

t allows

organizations within the high school to have a

n opportunity

and venue to make some money for their group

s.

“The students organize and run their own proj

ects and

middle school and elementary students from th

e district have an

opportunity to gather and have supervised fun

, win prizes and

buy refreshments,” says organizer and McKee

sport High School

teacher, Chris Starry.

The money raised is used for various activities

throughout

the school and can defray the cost of events l

ike the Semi-Formal

in January and make it affordable for many st

udents to attend.

IN McKeesport | Summer 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 17IN McKeesport | Summer 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 1716 724.942.0940 to advertise | IN McKeesport

18 IN McKeesport

The annual McKeesport Festival of Bands took the field at McKeesport’s Weigle-

Schaeffer Memorial Stadium on October 16th. 12 Marching bands competed from schools all overwestern Pennsylvania. Entertaining the crowd with

songs from the Beatles and “Aladdin”.

The Duquesne University Marching Band performed in exhibition. All proceeds from the event benefit theMcKeesport Band, Orchestra, and Guard Boosters. The McKeesport Tiger Marching Band finished in

second place, trailing East Allegheny by only .3 points.

McKeesport

Festival of Bands





Our Vision: The Voice of VisionOutreach Ministries Inc.; a faith-based initiative,was formed in 1989 by Dr Calvin Green to bringabout healing and spiritual wholeness to individuals and families inthe City of McKeesportand surrounding areas.

Calvin Green,Founder / OverseerOur mission is to simpleto promote Christ's loveand minister to the needsof the people. We do thisthrough Worship, Sharingour stories of faith, andministering to others sothat they can develop alive-changing relationshipwith Jesus.

Voice of Vision Outreach MinistriesOur Ministries. CVV Furniture Inc. is located at801 Walnut Street in the City of McKeesport. Ourshowrooms are open Monday – Saturday from10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is a Faith-Based,Non-Profit Organization. The ministry provides furniture donations to people in need by referralfrom; First Step Recovery, Salvation Army, Dept of Welfare, Children & Youth Services, and othercommunity help organizations. CVV Furniture isunique to the area in that; we were blessed togive over $250,000 in furniture donations in 2008and 2009. People from all over Allegheny Countyand surrounding areas come to purchase qualityfurniture and get exceptional value with greatbulk deals.Live Talk Radio Broadcast Ministry. Tune yourradio to WGBN 1150 AM Monday thru Fridayfrom 11:00 a.m to 11:30 a.m. Dr. Calvin Greenteaches on God's Principles and Divine Laws andhow to apply them to your life. The Broadcast isalso streaming live on the World Wide Web justgo to wgbn.net and click on Live Broadcast to listen. Or go to our website at vovom.org and click on the link to Live Radio Broadcast.Touch & Agree Prayer Ministry. We are takingyour requests for prayer 24 hrs a day 7 days aweek; on our website vovom.org or email yourrequests to [email protected]. You can alsocall 412.673.9917 or 412.673.9918 during our livebroadcast. Intercessors across the globe pray foryour needs.

We welcome you to come and fellowship with us!Sunday School: 10:00 a.m. Worship Services: Sunday at 11:00 a.m.Evangelist Night:Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Bible Study: Thursday at 7:00 p.m. – Precept upon Precept taught by Dr Calvin Green

You are welcome to browse our main floors and also our 2nd floor SHOWROOM awaits you.(Showroom is up one flight of stairs through the last set ofdouble doors on the left side of the building.)

Take advantage of our Superb Selections Exceptional Values and great Bulk Deals

All of our furniture prices are negotiable so please feel free to speak with our sales associates and if you’re not completely satisfied, you’re welcome to speak with the Executive Director, Dr. Calvin Green.

PAYMENTS may be made by Check, Visa,Master Card, & Discovery.We honor credit/debit cards and personalchecks with valid ID.

ALL SALES ARE FINAL ~ NO EXCEPTIONS

Currently we have:• Couches and Sectionals• Dining Room and Dinette Arrangements

• Beds, Headboards andMattresses• Tables of all sizes and designs• Chairs and Recliners• Master Chests and Nightstands• China Cabinets and Servers• Mirrors• Hutches• And much, much more!

V.O.V.O.M.Voice of Vision Outreach Ministries

Welcomes You!

Voice of Vision Outreach Ministries723 Walnut St McKeesport, PA 15134 412.673.9917 ~ 412.673.2848Voice of Vision Outreach Ministries, Inc. is a Faith-Based Initiative, Nonprofit Organization which works in collaboration with other community agencies to help provide to those in need due to situational circumstances.

STORE HOURS: Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

20 IN McKeesport

It’s common to have arestaurant that’s in the family;what’s not so common is having a restaurant that everyone considers family.That’s what Broadway Pizza &Subs is to McKeesport.

Owned by the Washowichfamily since 1995, BroadwayPizza & Subs has been a stapleof the McKeesport communitynot only by serving deliciouspizza, wings and subs, but alsoby supporting the local sportsteams, churches and charitableorganizations.

Annie Washowich said beingcommunity-based is really whather family strives for withBroadway Pizza & Subs.

“Everybody who works for us lives in the surrounding area – a lot of family and friends – we do a lot of community support, and McKeesport has been really, really good to us,” she said. “After the games, the McKeesport Tigers come up and eat with us. We’re the local pizzeria, but we’re a lot more than just ‘the local pizzeria.’”

For that reason, when the topic of franchising or adding more locations comes up, Broadway Pizza & Subs and its familywant to do what they see as the right thing – remain the best community pizza shop in McKeesport.

“Why ruin a good thing?” Washowich said. “McKeesport hasbeen so good to us. You can only imagine what it’s like having this same support and camaraderie for so long.”

Washowich’s daughter, Halee, runs the shop, and in the summer, her other two daughters, Jessica and Natalie, can be seen in the kitchen as well.

“They’re up-and-comers,” Washowich said. “We’ve been here for a long time and we hope to be around for a lot longer. When you come through the door, if you’re a regular customer, they can usually tell you what you’re going to order before you reach the counter. That’s how well we know our customers.”

Some of the most popular items on the menu that bring in the customers again and again include the Broadway Bomber,the wings and the steak hoagies, Washowich said. Of course, there’s also the pizza, with fresh dough made daily with the freshest sauce on top. If you can’t make the trip into BroadwayPizza & Subs, they do deliver to a radius that includes McKeesport, White Oak, Glassport, Portvue, Dravosburg,Versailles and Duquesne.

With a recent expansion, Broadway Pizza & Subs can also now accommodate customers in the shop, with eight tables for

dining-in. The expansion,Washowich said, helped out a lotby giving customers a place toenjoy their meals.

“We’re really proud of ourexpansion,” she said. “When wefirst opened, we were carry-outonly, without a dine-in area. We’retrying to make the shop the niceplace that our customers deserve,and the extra space gives them theability to come in and hang out in a relaxing atmosphere.”

Washowich said she hopesBroadway Pizza & Subs can continue to serve up slices, subsand wings to the McKeesport areafor many years to come.

“We’ve been very fortunate tohave such great customers and

employees,” she said. “We’re looking to continue that for a long,long time.”

Great Pizza & Great Customers

BIGGER IS

BETTER!BIGGER

IS

BETTER!

FREE

2-Literwith any $20.00 Purchase or More.Not valid with any other special offer.Must present coupon.

Large Pizza

Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 12 midnightFriday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. Sunday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.HOURS:

Not valid with any other special offer. Must present coupon.

$1699

w/ 1 ToppingDozen Wing Dings(any flavor)2-Liter of Soda

+ tax

Whether you’re throwing a party, having a staff meeting, or saying “Thanks for a job well done!”

You’ll Always Be a BIG HITWith “Broadway Pizza & Subs”Pizza (New York Style/Gourmet)Subs • Salads • Calzones • Wedgies • Famous Whole WingsDelivery Available

FA L L 2 0 1 0


© 2010 UPMC

What’s Insidepage 2 W h y G o W i th th e F l ow ?

I n c on t i n e n c e I s Tr e at ab l e

page 3 Pl a y I t S a f e Mi n i m a l l y I n v a si v e S u rg ery A v a i l a b l e Cl ose to H om e




page 7 W h a t’ s H a ppen i n g a t UPMC McKeesport

Play I t S afeKick off the fall sports season and keep your kids in the game with this guide to help prevent sports injuries. (page 3)

FA L L 2 0 1 0


© 2010 UPMC

What’s Insidepage 2 W h y G o W i th th e F l ow ?

I n c on t i n e n c e I s Tr e at ab l e

page 3 Pl a y I t S a f e Mi n i m a l l y I n v a si v e S u rg ery A v a i l a b l e Cl ose to H om e




page 7 W h a t’ s H a ppen i n g a t UPMC McKeesport

Play I t S afeKick off the fall sports season and keep your kids in the game with this guide to help prevent sports injuries. (page 3)

Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 12 midnightFriday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. Sunday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

2 www.UPMC.com/ Today

W hy G o W ith the Flow?If you’re experiencing the embarrassment and discomfortthat accompany urinary incontinence, you’re not alone.More than 25 million Americans have some form of urinaryincontinence or overactive bladder.

Urinary incontinence is the loss of voluntary bladder control causing leakage of urine. Symptoms can range from mild urine leakage to uncontrollable wetting.

“There are lots of people with this problem,” says J ay A. L utins, MD, a urologist at UPMC McKeesport. But many people are ashamed to discuss bladder issues with their doctor.

T y pes of I n con ti n en ceIncontinence can occur for a number of reasons, and each cause has its own form of diagnosis and treatment. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing these commontypes of incontinence: S tress incontinence — loss of urine when you exert pressure on the bladder by coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting something heavy.Urge incontinence — a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine.O verflow incontinence — frequent or constant dribblingof urine, indicating an inability to empty the bladder.Mix ed incontinence — symptoms of more than one type of incontinence.

G et th e H el p Y ou N eed“No one has to live with urinary incontinence,” says Dr. L utins. “While incontinence is frequently associatedwith aging, it can happen to anyone. With the medications and surgical techniques we now have available, this problemis definitely treatable.”

One of the latest treatments Dr. L utins utilizes is sacralnerve stimulation (SNS), a procedure that involves the electrical stimulation of the nerves that control the bladder.

The outpatient procedure involves implanting a tiny neurotransmitter under the skin. The device is connected to the sacral nerve by a lead that also is positioned under theskin. Mild electrical impulses travel through the lead to themuscles of the bladder, sphincter, and pelvic floor, helpingto reduce or eliminate bladder control problems.

“SNS has been successful in about u5 percent of patientswith overactive bladders for whom medications just didn’twork,” says Dr. L utins.

R ecl a i m Y ou r S oci a l L i f eMany people who experience bladder problems become isolated and withdrawn, avoiding social situations for fear of embarrassment. That’s why Dr. L utins and the otherUPMC McKeesport urologists view the diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence is an important service.

“R educing a patient’s urine leakage by just 50 percent significantly reduces their stress level, and helps to keepthem active and engaged. The quality of life changes theyexperience are just amazing,” adds Dr. L utins.

Urinary incontinence affects women and men of all ages — but most p eop le don’ t talk about it with their doctor.The good news: I t is treatable.

D i d Y ou Kn ow ?• Urinary incontinence is

common, but it is not normal.• W omen represent 7 5 percent

of people who have urinary incontinence. Kegel ex ercisescan help women decrease theirrisk of stress incontinence.

• Anyone can ex perience urinary incontinence, not j ust older adults.

• Urinary incontinence is often the symptom of another condition.

1- 8 00- 533- UPMC 3

D uring a recent visit, your doctor recommended surgery and suggested minimally invasive surgery orMI S ( also known as laparoscopic surgery) . W hen youasked for details, you were surprised to learn thatMI S is becoming more and more common in hospitals and is available at UPMC McKeesport.

“ The technology has evolved to the point wherethe maj ority of general surgical procedures that have been performed with the traditional open approach ( larger incisions) can now, in appropriate patients, be done laparoscopically,” ex plains S teven G ribar, MD , a general surgeon at UPMC McKeesport who is trained in MI S procedures.

I n MI S or “ keyhole surgery,” the operation is done with specializ ed instruments through severalsmall incisions in the body, ex plains D r. G ribar.

The benefits of MI S over traditional open surgerymay include reduced blood loss, less scarring, reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. And because less tissue is involved,MI S patients have less chance of infection.

G allbladder removal was one of the first surgicalprocedures to be done using minimally invasive procedures. Today, MI S is widely used in many areasof emergency and elective general surgery, includingintestinal and colon surgery, and hernia repair. MI Stechniques also are routinely applied to other surgicaldisciplines, including lung and chest surgery, andspine and brain surgery.

W hile the number of MI S procedures being performed is increasing, not all patients are goodcandidates for minimally invasive surgery. B e sure to talk with your doctor to find out which surgical options are best for you.

Many youth sp orts inj uries can be p revented by following these p ractical suggestions

Sports and exercise offer undeniable benefits. But for millions of young athletes, they also bring risks. Accordingto the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sports injuriesamong high school athletes alone are on the rise, accounting for nearly twomillion injuries, 500,000 doctor visits,and 30,000 hospitalizations every year.Injuries range from strains, sprains, and fractures to concussions and heat stroke.

Experts attribute the high rate of youth sports injuries to:

• overuse• trauma • lack of preventive measures

(including proper equipment, training, and conditioning)

The CDC estimates that more than half of all sports injuries involving children and teens are preventable.

Freddie H. Fu, MD, chairman of theUPMC Department of OrthopaedicSurgery and renowned sports medicineexpert, blames much of the increase in injuries on today’s trend of kids focusing year-round on one sport.

“Kids are doing too much. Now, there’s no off-season. When they’re not playing, they are practicing and at a very intense level,” he says.

Keep Y ou r Ki d s i n th e G a m eDr. Fu says it’s important for parents and coaches alike to understand the dangers and take steps to keep childrensafe. He recommends the following:1) Cross-train and avoid specializingin one sport to create balance and avoid breakdowns in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. 2) Take time off from competitionto allow muscles and joints time to rest and recover.

3) Use the right gear and make sure it’s in good condition and fits properly.Insist your child uses the recommendedsafety gear. 4) Ensure proper techniques are usedfor throwing, running, and swinging.5) Take time to stretch before a workout/game and cool down after. 6) Maintain good hydration when playing to avoid fatigue and keep thebody cool.R em em b er, pl a y i n g sports sh ou l d b e f u n . Ch eck ou t ou r w eb si te a tw w w . UPMC. com / T od a y f or d eta i l s on th e top f ou r i n j u ri es th a t occu ra m on g y ou n g a th l etes.

Pl a y I t S a f e

Minimally I nvasive S urgery N ow Available Close to H ome

1- 8 00- 533- UPMC 3

D uring a recent visit, your doctor recommended surgery and suggested minimally invasive surgery orMI S ( also known as laparoscopic surgery) . W hen youasked for details, you were surprised to learn thatMI S is becoming more and more common in hospitals and is available at UPMC McKeesport.

“ The technology has evolved to the point wherethe maj ority of general surgical procedures that have been performed with the traditional open approach ( larger incisions) can now, in appropriate patients, be done laparoscopically,” ex plains S teven G ribar, MD , a general surgeon at UPMC McKeesport who is trained in MI S procedures.

I n MI S or “ keyhole surgery,” the operation is done with specializ ed instruments through severalsmall incisions in the body, ex plains D r. G ribar.

The benefits of MI S over traditional open surgerymay include reduced blood loss, less scarring, reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. And because less tissue is involved,MI S patients have less chance of infection.

G allbladder removal was one of the first surgicalprocedures to be done using minimally invasive procedures. Today, MI S is widely used in many areasof emergency and elective general surgery, includingintestinal and colon surgery, and hernia repair. MI Stechniques also are routinely applied to other surgicaldisciplines, including lung and chest surgery, andspine and brain surgery.

W hile the number of MI S procedures being performed is increasing, not all patients are goodcandidates for minimally invasive surgery. B e sure to talk with your doctor to find out which surgical options are best for you.

Many youth sp orts inj uries can be p revented by following these p ractical suggestions

Sports and ex ercise offer undeniable benefits. But for millions of young athletes, they also bring risks. Accordingto the Centers for D isease Control and Prevention (CD C), sports injuriesamong high school athletes alone are on the rise, accounting for nearly twomillion injuries, 5 vv,vvv doctor visits,and zv,vvv hospitalizations every year.Injuries range from strains, sprains, and fractures to concussions and heat stroke.

Ex perts attribute the high rate of youth sports injuries to: • overuse• trauma • lack of preventive measures (including proper eq uipment, training, and conditioning)

The CD C estimates that more than half of all sports injuries involving children and teens are preventable.

Freddie H. Fu, MD , chairman of theU PMC D epartment of O rthopaedicSurgery and renowned sports medicineex pert, blames much of the increase in injuries on today’ s trend of kids focusing year-round on one sport.

“Kids are doing too much. N ow, there’ s no off-season. When they’ re not playing, they are practicing and at a very intense level,” he says.

Keep Y ou r Ki d s i n th e G a m eD r. Fu says it’ s important for parents and coaches alike to understand the dangers and take steps to keep childrensafe. He recommends the following:w) Cross-train and avoid sp ecializi ngin one sport to create balance and avoid breakdowns in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. y) Tak e time off from comp etitionto allow muscles and joints time to rest and recover.

z) Use th e righ t gear and make sure it’ s in good condition and fits properly.Insist your child uses the recommendedsafety gear. 4 ) E nsure p rop er tech niq ues are usedfor throwing, running, and swinging.5 ) Tak e time to stretch before a workout/game and cool down after. 6 ) Maintain good h yd ration when playing to avoid fatigue and keep thebody cool.R em em b er, pl a y i n g sports sh ou l d b e f u n . Ch eck ou t ou r w eb si te a tw w w . UPMC. com / T od a y f or d eta i l s on th e top f ou r i n j u ri es th a t occu ra m on g y ou n g a th l etes.

Pl a y I t S a f e

Minimally I nvasive S urgery N ow Available Close to H ome


Most of us think of a concussion primarily as a sports-related inj ury — and statistics show that one out of every five reported concussions is sports- related. B ut any violentshaking or blow to the head can lead to a concussion.

“ A suspected concussion should be taken seriously — whether it happens on the playing field, in your home, or on the j ob,” says Michael ( Micky) Collins, PhD , assistant director of the UPMC S ports Medicine Concussion Program. A nationally recogniz ed ex pert in sports- related concussions,D r. Collins co- created — along with Mark R . L ovell, PhD , director of the UPMC S ports Medicine Concussion Programand J oseph C. Maroon, MD , vice chairman of N eurosurgery at UPMC Presbyterian and neurosurgeon for the PittsburghS teelers — the Center for D isease Control’s ( CD C) “ Concussion Tool Kit for Physicians.”

H ow m u ch d o y ou rea l l y k n ow a b ou t con cu ssi on s? Take this true- false quiz to test your understanding of thiscommon but potentially life- threatening inj ury:

1. A concussion is a brain inj ury. True or F alse2. S igns and symptoms of concussion can develop right after

the inj ury or even hours or days later. True or F alse3. Concussions occur even if the person has not been

knocked unconscious. True or F alse4 . A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain recovers

from the first can slow recovery or increase the likelihood of long- term problems. True or F alse

5. Concussions can have a more serious effect on a young, developing brain. True or F alse

I f you answered “ true” to all five questions, you’re ahead of the game — but there’s more you should know. G et the facts about concussion symptoms and treatment at www.UPMC.com/ Today.

S chool L unches That Make the G rade

Main dishes� Sandwich made with whole-grain bread, lean meat, andlow-fat cheese; or peanutbutter and all-fruit jelly on whole-grain bread

�Pita pocket stuffed withshredded turkey, chicken, or light roast beef; or gratedvegetables, low-fat cheese,and light salad dressing

�Mini pizza, whole-grainEnglish muffin, or bageltopped with turkey pepperoni, mozzarellacheese, and garlic herbcream cheese

�Low-fat tuna or chickensalad on a mini bagel

F ruits and vegetables�Red pepper strips, carrots,celery, sugar snap peas, or green beans with salsa or light ranch dressing

�Fresh fruit�Fruit cups�Applesauce

Healthy snacks�Low-fat yogurt, either in a cup or a tube

�Wheat crackers with peanutbutter or low-fat cheese

�Cottage cheese, with or without fruit

�Pudding made with skim milk

� String cheese� Salsa with baked chips�Peanuts� Small bag of light popcorn

O ccasional treats�Baked or low-fat potato chips

�Fun-size candy bars�Low-fat cookies

F oods to limit�Regular snack chips (potato, tortilla, etc.)

�Full-size candy bars�Regular cookies�Canned fruits in sweetened syrup

S tu m ped f or i d ea s on w h a t to pa ck ?T ry th ese h ea l th y opti on s:

Kids need more than pens, pencils, and notebooks to successfully get through a day at school. They also needhealthy lunches. Here are some tips on how to make sure your child eats healthy foods while at school:

• Get your child involved with the planning and packing of lunches.

• Acknowledge his or her likes and dislikes.• Assemble lunch the night before to avoid morning delays and/or hurried choices.

• If your child buys lunch at the school cafeteria, make sure he or she knows the difference between healthy and unhealthy foods.

• Teach your child about portions and portion control.

• Think healthy and think light.• Teach your child to eat until no longer hungry, not until “stuffed.”

D id Y ou Know?I mPACTTM, the concussion evaluation system most widely in use worldwide by professional, college, and high schoolsports teams, was developed at UPMC by D r. L ovell, D r. Collins, and D r. Maroon.

A re Y ou Con cu ssi on -S a v v y ?Mea su re y ou r u n d ersta n d i n g of con cu ssi on s w i th th ese f i v e q u esti on s.

H ealth Tips from UPMC H ealth Plan

1- 8 00- 533- UPMC 5

W ho K new Rehab Could B e S o Much F un?I nnovation at UPMC

Last November, John Rizzi,* 50, noticed numbness and tingling in his feet. A few weeks later he suddenly fell whilehunting. By January, he was paralyzed from the chest down —only able to move his head and shrug his shoulders.

Eventually diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that damaged the protective covering of the nerves (myelin sheath)and interfered with the signaling process, John arrived inMarch at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute and its Gaming and Robotics Center for intensive therapy.

“When I saw the advanced equipment, I was amazed. It inspired me to do whatever I could to walk again,” John says.

Playing computer games and doing simulated tasks using robotic devices such as the Armeo Boom enabled John tomove his arms and regain fine motor skills. A robotic treadmill called the Lokomat made it possible for him to walk.

“I started seeing gains right away. That made me want to work even harder,” he says.

F u n a n d G a m es f or E f f ecti v e R eh a b i l i ta ti onThe ArmeoBoom — available for clinical use at UPMC andnowhere else in the nation — is one of several cutting-edge devices used in rehabilitation at the center. To use it, patientsstrap their arm into a sling attached to an overhead boom. Robotic supports allow patients to move their arm while playing reach-and-retrieval computer games, such as solitaireand placing apples in a shopping cart, along with simulatedtasks such as cooking or cleaning.

“Rehabilitation can be very tedious and painful. A lot of repetition is needed to teach the body to move again,” says Michael Boninger, MD, director of the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute. “Using this technology is kind of sneaky. It’s great to see patients enjoy playing a game when you know they are actually working hard at rehabilitation.”

y Mr. Rizzi’ s treatment and results may not be rep resentative of all similar cases.

John, who has regained most of his abilities, agrees. “It was more like playing a game. You’re working, the sweat is running down your face, but it’s fun. You’re gettingthe movement and the repetition you need, but you’re laughing,” he says.

Dr. Boninger says patients benefit from using the very latest technology. UPMC researchers have developed theirown designs, and companies often send their prototypes here for evaluation.

Other innovative devices used at the Center include theGameCycle , a machine invented at the University of Pittsburgh that combines a stationary hand cycle with a commercial video game; the Armeo Spring — a companion to the ArmeoBoom; and several Nintendo Wii systems.

“Technology is very important in rehabilitation. Having a therapist move a patient’s arm repeatedly works, but notnearly as well as having the patient move his own arm while it is supported by a robot and while he is playing a game,” says Dr. Boninger. “Computer games also provide quick feedback and measure improvement, which adds to the sense of accomplishment.”

V i rtu a l T h era py a t H om eThe Nintendo Wii can be a useful tool for patients as they maintain their physical rehabilitation program at home. It’s relatively inexpensive, and many of the games

incorporate the repetitive motion required in ongoingtherapeutic exercises.

“We can tell patients to do an exercise 500 times in the next week,” said Dr. Boninger. “But many people just won’t do it. Tell them toplay Wii Tennis and they’ll do it and have fun.”

D r. Michael B oninger shows how the Armeo B oom’s games and simulated tasks allow rehab patients to work hard and have fun.

1- 8 00- 533- UPMC 5

W ho K new Rehab Could B e S o Much F un?I nnovation at UPMC

Last November, John Rizzi,* 50, noticed numbness and tingling in his feet. A few weeks later he suddenly fell whilehunting. By January, he was paralyzed from the chest down —only able to move his head and shrug his shoulders.

Eventually diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that damaged the protective covering of the nerves (myelin sheath)and interfered with the signaling process, John arrived inMarch at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute and its Gaming and Robotics Center for intensive therapy.

“When I saw the advanced equipment, I was amazed. It inspired me to do whatever I could to walk again,” John says.

Playing computer games and doing simulated tasks using robotic devices such as the Armeo Boom enabled John tomove his arms and regain fine motor skills. A robotic treadmill called the Lokomat made it possible for him to walk.

“I started seeing gains right away. That made me want to work even harder,” he says.

F u n a n d G a m es f or E f f ecti v e R eh a b i l i ta ti onThe ArmeoBoom — available for clinical use at UPMC andnowhere else in the nation — is one of several cutting-edge devices used in rehabilitation at the center. To use it, patientsstrap their arm into a sling attached to an overhead boom. Robotic supports allow patients to move their arm while playing reach-and-retrieval computer games, such as solitaireand placing apples in a shopping cart, along with simulatedtasks such as cooking or cleaning.

“Rehabilitation can be very tedious and painful. A lot of repetition is needed to teach the body to move again,” says Michael Boninger, MD, director of the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute. “Using this technology is kind of sneaky. It’s great to see patients enjoy playing a game when you know they are actually working hard at rehabilitation.”

y Mr. Rizzi’ s treatment and results may not be rep resentative of all similar cases.

John, who has regained most of his abilities, agrees. “It was more like playing a game. You’re working, the sweat is running down your face, but it’s fun. You’re gettingthe movement and the repetition you need, but you’re laughing,” he says.

Dr. Boninger says patients benefit from using the very latest technology. UPMC researchers have developed theirown designs, and companies often send their prototypes here for evaluation.

Other innovative devices used at the Center include theGameCycle , a machine invented at the University of Pittsburgh that combines a stationary hand cycle with a commercial video game; the Armeo Spring — a companion to the ArmeoBoom; and several Nintendo Wii systems.

“Technology is very important in rehabilitation. Having a therapist move a patient’s arm repeatedly works, but notnearly as well as having the patient move his own arm while it is supported by a robot and while he is playing a game,” says Dr. Boninger. “Computer games also provide quick feedback and measure improvement, which adds to the sense of accomplishment.”

V i rtu a l T h era py a t H om eThe Nintendo Wii can be a useful tool for patients as they maintain their physical rehabilitation program at home. It’s relatively inexpensive, and many of the games

incorporate the repetitive motion required in ongoingtherapeutic exercises.

“We can tell patients to do an exercise 500 times in the next week,” said Dr. Boninger. “But many people just won’t do it. Tell them toplay Wii Tennis and they’ll do it and have fun.”

D r. Michael B oninger shows how the Armeo B oom’s games and simulated tasks allow rehab patients to work hard and have fun.


A Pi on eeri n g F orce i n Ma tern a l - F eta l Med i ci n e

A New Era of Treatment for High-Risk PregnanciesH aving a baby is one of the most naturalthings in the world, but it’ s not risk free. F or some women and their unborn children, the risks can be especially great,with potential for the development of life-threatening complications.

T ransforming their treatment and medicaloutlook is the Division of Maternal-F etalMedicine yMF M) at Magee-Womens H ospital of UPMC. T he program has long been recogniz ed as a leader in MF M,an obstetric subspecialty focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of expectant mothers and their fetuses who may be at high risk before, during, and after pregnancy.

Many conditions can potentially putwomen at higher risk during pregnancy, including: • Preterm labor• B ecoming pregnant after age 3 5• Multiple birth pregnancies

ytwins or triplets)• F amily history of birth defects

or genetic disorders • Medical conditions such as diabetes,

heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid or kidney diseases, and pre-eclampsia

W ork i n g T og eth er f or Moth er a n d Ch i l d

“ Many MF M programs nationwide are available only at children’ s hospitals. At UPMC, our comprehensive program of caring for mother and fetus is offeredthrough Magee,” explains Stephen P.Emery, MD, director of the division’ s F etal Diagnosis and T reatment Center. “ T he maternal component is central to our mission; it’ s a natural extension of our hospital’ s historic focus on women’ s health.”

T he center’ s MF M physicians are supported by a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals with expertise in high-risk pregnancies, including anesthesiologists, geneticists, radiologists,and bioethicists. “ We work together and apply our collective knowledge to find solutions for each patient’ s needs,”says Dr. Emery.

T he goal is to give women and their families the information they need to make informed decisions about their pregnancies. T he center then provides critical counseling and planning support, and state-of-the-art diagnostic,therapeutic, and surgical services.

Magee’ s close partnership with Children’ s H ospital of Pittsburgh ofUPMC also links newborns with congenital abnormalities to neonatologists,pediatric surgeons, and other specialists for ongoing care after birth.

“ T hanks to the tremendous technologicaladvancements in MF M in recent years, we get to know an unborn child inside and out during a high-riskpregnancy — from his or her chromosomal makeup to cardiac anatomy. We’ re prepared to quickly address any health care needs immediately after birth — or even in utero if needed, ” says Dr. Emery. “ J ust as importantly, we’ re also able to ensure that the mother’ s continuinghealth needs are met.”

T ypically, an obstetrician, gynecologist, or midwife will refer a woman to Magee’ s MF M team for initial evaluation.H owever, women can contact Magee directly at 4 1 2 -6 4 1 -3 3 8 2 .

Learn more about Magee’s Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and its Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Centerat www.UPMC.com/Magee.

D id Y ou Know?Maternal-fetal medicine services are available at UPMC Mercy (412-232-8111) and UPMC Horizon (412-641-6361).

Advancing the Quality of Care Through ResearchDespite major medical advancements in recent years, the causes of many fetal complications remain a mystery. T hat’ s why research is so critical to the efforts ofMagee’ s F etal Diagnosis and T reatment Center. “ T hrough our research, the quality of our care extends far beyond what patientssee,” says H yagriv Simhan, MD, chief of the Division of Maternal-F etal Medicine and an experienced investigator at theMagee-Women’ s R esearch InstituteyMWR I) . “ Magee is recogniz ed for its pioneering research and medical advancements in MF M,” adds Dr. Simhan.T he first research center devoted exclusivelyto the health concerns of women and infants, the institute’ s current MF M researchinitiatives include preterm birth, genetics,placental function, and pre-eclampsia.

MAYOR’S CORNERMAYOR’S CORNER

28 IN McKeesport

UPMC McKeesport1500 Fifth Ave.McKeesport, PA 15132

Even the smallest discovery is important. Doctors rely on quality images to make accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions fortheir patients. UPMC is a leader in creating and adopting cutting-edge technologiesto enhance medical imaging and improve patient care. In fact, some of the most innovative advances in the field of radiology have happened in our hospitals. And ourstate-of-the-art computer system allows imaging scans to be quickly accessed and viewed by physicians across our network with just the click of a mouse. Ouradvanced technology and expert radiologists can make a real difference in your care.Whether you need an x-ray or advanced radiology testing, trust Imaging Services at UPMC McKeesport. For more information or to schedule an appointment,call 412-664-CARE (2273) or visit UPMC.com/Imaging.

UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC.

This publication is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment. Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health.

Follow UPMC on Facebook.

The fall of 2010 reflects the blessing of the culmination of so many projects, several of which were years in planning. The success ofthese endeavors is the result of the support andcommitment of the McKeesport City Council andmy Administration's Renaissance 2005 five-yearplan initiated with the refinancing of bonded debt andrefunding of our underfunded employee pension plan. It is, in fact, the latter which received so little notice of which I am most proud. This action enabled McKeesport to avoid Act 47, municipal bankruptcy, and has paved the way toward the positive fund balance the City enjoys today. Our solicitor, J. Jason Elash, and the City “watchdog” Controller, RaymondMalinchak deserve much of the credit as the unsung heroes ofthese early difficult budgetary decisions.

There has been a synergy of implementation efforts throughoutthis period which has helped make the projects of 2010 a component part where the whole process was greater than the sum of its parts. The completion of the $3.1 million Long RunFlood eradication (a plan 10 years in the making) spawned theMarshall Drive Extension in the spring of 2010. This new road has now led to the four parcel subdivision, approved by council inSeptember 2010 for land owned by Tom Clark (Chevrolet) whichwill bring new opportunity for increased tax base and jobs to theRoute 48 corridor. The Hometown Streets grant of $929,000 in the fall of 2006 has been managed by Bethany Budd Bauer,Community Development Director, into an FY-2010 $1.3 millioncommercial revitalization of our central core business district from Market Street to Huey on Fifth Avenue. This upgrade of our infrastructure will include decorative street lighting, planters,benches, sidewalk/curb, a new traffic signal at Walnut Street, and more.

The plan to convert to two-way traffic, plus these improve-ments, have helped recruit business which will be the harbinger of new jobs and activity in the business district. The article in thisissue of IN McKeesport on Jim Smith and his multi-disciplinedbusiness formation in the former Immels/Kadar building is butanother example of same.

Finally, this commercial revitalization is expected to be com-pleted by the November 20th Christmas parade which will honorEat’n Park as its 2010 Grand Marshall. Understandably, Eat’nPark's reinvestment in our downtown chronicled in an article inthis month’s edition as well, demonstrated how a $6 million fly-over ramp was a positive catalyst to the future. Look for otherannouncements by the Regional Industrial DevelopmentCorporation (RIDC) on more new companies coming to theIndustrial Center of McKeesport, the former USX site, with new jobs and tax base by the first quarter of 2011.

While those aforementioned major accomplish-ments, like the $1 million reconstruction of WestFifth Avenue were ongoing, McKeesport contin-ued its routine of repaving local streets and pursu-

ing the demolition of scattered site blighted properties. Furthermore, with stimulus money from

the Obama Administration, John Paylo, ExecutiveDirector of the Twin Rivers Council of Governments

utilized grant funds to afford the City the opportunity to clearcorridors of vacant/deteriorated buildings in support of theimpending McKeesport Area School District development at theCornell School site.

Renziehausen Park and all the programs offered there under thedirection of Recreation Director, Jim Brown, have expanded thevenue of choices for the public. In 2010, for example, Mr. Browncoupled Allegheny Regional Asset District (ARAD) operationalfunds and a cooperation agreement from the Lions Club to co-sponsor Sunday summer concerts at the Bandshell into “every”Sunday performances for 10 weeks. Additionally, the Lions Club is in the process of underwriting the construction of a new gaze-bo/shelter on the grounds tangential to the Bandshell.

I share all this optimism with you tempered by a degree ofmelancholy, because I have strived to follow the thoughts of John Quincy Adams, American President (1767-1848), when he said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more,do more and become more, you are a leader.” I will move on from this office of Mayor one day, but I hope my legacy will be atemplate of thought and actions that will guide others to continueto foster McKeesport as the vibrant hub the region and the MonValley needs it to be.

MAYOR’S CORNERMAYOR’S CORNER

McKeesport | Fall 2010 || incommunitymagazines.com 29

UPMC McKeesport1500 Fifth Ave.McKeesport, PA 15132

Even the smallest discovery is important. Doctors rely on quality images to make accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions fortheir patients. UPMC is a leader in creating and adopting cutting-edge technologiesto enhance medical imaging and improve patient care. In fact, some of the most innovative advances in the field of radiology have happened in our hospitals. And ourstate-of-the-art computer system allows imaging scans to be quickly accessed and viewed by physicians across our network with just the click of a mouse. Ouradvanced technology and expert radiologists can make a real difference in your care.Whether you need an x-ray or advanced radiology testing, trust Imaging Services at UPMC McKeesport. For more information or to schedule an appointment,call 412-664-CARE (2273) or visit UPMC.com/Imaging.

UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC.

This publication is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment. Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health.

Follow UPMC on Facebook.

30 IN McKeesport

Allegheny County Executive DanOnorato, Congressman Mike Doyle,McKeesport Mayor Jim Brewster, andPennDOT District 11 Executive Dan Cessnatoday celebrated the start of constructionon the McKeesport flyover ramp. The $10.9million project will allow unimpeded accessto the Industrial Center of McKeesportfrom State Route 148.

“It is essential to provide easy, continuous access to this former industrial site in order for it tocontinue to grow, attract business and create jobs forMcKeesport and the surrounding area,” said Onorato.“Improved transportation in and around the Mon Valleyhas always been a critical piece of our redevelopmentplans. We completed the Duquesne flyover ramp earlier this year, and we are excited to begin theMcKeesport project. We are grateful to CongressmanDoyle for securing the funding from the FederalHighway Administration.”

“The revitalization of this part of the Mon Valleydepends upon the redevelopment of the area’s old industrial sites like the Industrial Center ofMcKeesport, and the redevelopment of such sites

depends on making them easily accessible,”said Doyle. “That’s why I’ve been working for years with local community leaders likeMayor Brewster to secure the funding necessary to build a flyover ramp here. As aresult of these efforts, we are gathered heretoday to break ground on this much-neededinfrastructure project.”

The project includes construction of a ramp that will carry traffic over active CSX rail lines andconnect Lysle Boulevard and Industry Road. AlleghenyCounty facilitated the design and construction of theramp and worked with Congressman Doyle, PennDOT,County Councilman Bob Macy, RIDC, and MayorBrewster on the overall project.

“PennDOT is very pleased to see this significantproject, enhancing safety and access, beginning construction,” said Cessna.

“The development of unimpeded access to theremediated brownfield site will provide the final impetus necessary to bring new jobs and tax baseback to the Mon Valley,” said Brewster.

Construction is expected to be completed inNovember 2011.

30 IN McKeesport

Judy Black has been serving Smiley® cookies at the McKeesportEat’n Park for more than three decades. Now, she has thechance to stay as long as she wants. Discussions to close the long-time restaurant have ended and

Eat’n Park has signed a new ten-year lease. “Thankfully were stay-ing open because there’s no other place in the town to eat,” Black said.

Nobody ever wanted Eat’n Park to leave. The problem was that a portion of the existingparking lot was needed for new construction of a flyover ramp at Coursin and Lysle boulevards. If the restaurant did not have sufficient parking, it would be forced to close. It was at this juncture local officials found a solution.At a joint press conference on September 3, Congressman Mike Doyle, a representative

from Chief Executive Dan Onorato’s office, along with the Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, collectively announced their decision to eliminate 10 parking spaces in order to

accommodate the construction of the flyover ramp.The ramp will provide vehicles access to the former USX millsite. The 10 lost spaces will be replaced with 20 new ones and a new entrance on the East Side of the building. The Eat’n Park, which was built in 1954, will undergo

renovations to accommodate the new entrance as well as building upgrades. Eat’n Park has been an institution in McKeesport for several

generations, and a portion of the staff has been there for decades. McKeesport City Administrator Dennis Pittman has seen first-hand what good news

this is for those employees. “Life is not measured by the breathes we take but thosemoments that take out breath away,” said Pittman. “Seeing the smiles on the faces of the ‘young ladies’ who work at Eat’n Park when the letter from Mr. Bates was read, was one of those moments.”Black says the news is wonderful for herself and the rest of her co workers, “It would

have been devastating for the rest of the crew here if we had to close,” she said, “It’s toughworrying about losing everything you worked for and starting over somewhere else.”


EAT’N PARK SIGNS LEASE FOR 10 MORE YEARS

by Jamie Ward


When Sandy Pesta retired from the Port Authority, she waslooking for something that would take up a little of her free time.That’s when she discovered Meals on Wheels, a service that pro-vides meals daily to seniors in need.

“I started out doing it just once a week,” Pesta said.“If I only delivered and didn’t volunteer in thekitchen, I’d get over there at about 9:30 and I’d bedone at 11. It really doesn’t take long. You canvolunteer for as little or as much as you care to.”

And that’s where she thinks the problem lies –people just don’t know how little they have to doto change a senior’s life.

“I think there’s this misconception that youhave to commit to doing this all day every day,” shesaid. “And that’s just not the case.”

Currently, Meals on Wheels services 12 routes. Pesta’sroute, 10th Ward and Dravosburg, has 13 seniors on it, butthat number fluctuates because some people are short-term recipi-ents who are recovering from an illness or surgery. Some pass away,but there’s always a need for more volunteers.

“We are in desperate need of volunteers,” Pesta said. “Peoplehave called from Liberty Borough and we’ve had to turn themdown because we don’t have enough volunteers to go into thatarea.”

Drivers deliver lunch and dinner to residents, riding two to avehicle. One person makes the house call while the driver preparesthe basket for the next home. Meals are comprised of hot and coldfare – sandwiches for lunch ranging from peanut butter and jelly tochicken salad, and hot dinners as fancy as chicken cordon bleu.

Each meal comes with fruit, juice, salads and desserts. The onlydifferentiation that Meals on Wheels does is for diabetics. People

with food allergies or other forms of restricted diets are referred toanother service.

“The service costs them $15 a week,” Pesta said.“Not too many people can eat on $3 a day.”

Those prices come from the fact that the pro-gram is coordinated by the Lutheran Services andrelies on the generosity of food banks, and privatebusinesses that donate food at little or no cost.The fact that around 30 volunteers prepare anddistribute all of the food helps keep costs down as

well.Despite the fact that the program runs under the

auspices of Lutheran Services, recipients don’t need tohave any religious affiliation to participate.

Pesta said there are only a few times when the service wasunavailable, usually during inclement weather.

“If the weather’s really bad, we’ll be called and told that we’renot going out that day,” she said. “We estimate when the severeweather might hit and we take them around some bags of nonper-ishable items so that they’re never stuck without food. This pastwinter was horrible and the longest period of time that we weren’tout – about a week. Some of us called and checked on our seniors,though. You get to know them and you feel for them.”

Anyone interested in volunteering for Meals on Wheels shouldcontact Rose Marshall, Meals on Wheels Coordinator at412.672.1998 between 8 a.m. and noon.

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32 IN McKeesport


City of McKeesport

500 Fifth AvenueMcKeesport, PA 15132412-675-5020Fax:412-675-5049www.mckeesport.orgMayor James Brewster

Council:Michael CherepkoRichard DellapennaLorretta DiggsRegis McLaughlinDarryl SeginaAlfred Tedesco Jr.V. Fawn Walker

PoliceNon Emergency Phone: 412.675.5050

Fire DepartmentMcKeesport Fire FightersP.O. Box 15134412.675.5021 or 412.675.5070

McKeesport Ambulance Rescue Service (MARS)Edwin Coulter, Chairman, McKeesportAmbulance Authority & EmergencyManagement CoordinatorEmergency Phone: 911Non Emergency Phone: 412.675.5076

White Oak Borough

2280 Lincoln WayWhite Oak, PA 15131412-672-9727Fax: 412-672-0760www.woboro.comMayor Ina Jean Marton

Council:Edward BabyakCharles DavisGeorge DillingerRonald MassungDavid PasternakKenneth RobbCarrie Verbanick

PoliceNon emergency phone: 412.672.9727

Fire DepartmentsRainbow Volunteer Fire Company2916 Jacks Run RoadWhite Oak, PA 15131412.664.9523

White Oak No.1 Fire Company1130 California Ave.White Oak, PA 1513412.664.4822

Borough of Dravosburg

226 Maple AvenueDravosburg, PA 15034412-466-5200Fax: 412-466-6027Mayor John Powell

Council:Jay McKelveyMichelle VezzaniWilliam Snodgrass, Jr.Barbara StevensonGreg Wilson

South Versailles Township

P.O. Box 66Coulter, PA 15028

Township Secretary: Carla BarronTreasurer: Carol HainesBoard of Commissioners:John WarabakWilliam HaywoodEdward Kulasa, Jr.Terry PayneDavid Stockett

Versailles Borough

5100 Walnut StreetMcKeesport, PA 15132412-751-3922Fax: 412-751-4430

Mayor James FleckensteinJoel YeckelJames SheedyCheryl D’AntonioFrank BundaAnita Gricar

Serving the Mon Valley

SUBMIT YOUREVENT!

Please submit your information, including aphone number and e-mail information to:

[email protected] or call 724.942.0940

34 IN McKeesport

Charged with the obligation of sustaining andupgrading the infrastructure of a city can be adaunting, if not, impossible task. America’s older urban areas are fraught with problems.The expectations of the public in the 21st century are not always compatible with theexisting 19th and 20th century constructiontechnology, much less the fiscal constraintswhich exacerbate its maintenance.

For the City of McKeesport, the man at the helm is 56 year old Nicholas Shermenti.This lifelong city resident exudes a confidence he hones as a US Marine: We do the impossible; miracles just take a little longer. He had both managed andowned a private trucking and heavy equipment company. As a Public WorksDirector, in addition to the duties of

overseeing the streets, traffic, parks, recyclingand property and grounds divisions of the PublicWorks department, he also sits on the Board of Directors of the Municipal Authority of theCity of McKeesport.Subsequent to his four years as assistant

Public Works Director, Mr. Shermenti has guided the city's response to a plethora of natural disasters during his six years as director.Hurricane Ivan, last year’s record Februarysnow falls, several tornadic micro bursts, icejams on the Youghiogheny River and buildingcollapses are but a few of the challenges he has had to address. It is not the extraordinary,however, but the exemplary management of theroutine that makes Nick so special.The decade-long planning process to

connect Marshall Drive to State Route 48, for example, was the culmination of Mr. Shermenti's knowledge of road construction coupled with his

networking with Community DevelopmentDirector Bethany Budd Bauer, understandinghow to combine resources with grant regulations to implement multi-disciplined projectobjectives (safety, economic development, time!)into the catalyst for new tax base and jobs. These skills were omnipresent with third partycontractors, city crews, and a public/private partnership – concurrent with his other cityresponsibilities. Those include but are not limitedto: maintaining a 205 acre Renziehausen Parkwith the support of Allegheny Regional AssetDistrict (ARAD) funds; oversight for municipalrefuse collection and recycling; milling andreconstruction of city streets; upgrading theinfrastructure to be compliant with the AmericanDisability Act mandates from handicappedramps; pre and post endeavors for special eventslike the Fourth of July fireworks, ChristmasParade, Good Neighbor Day(s), etc.Being blessed with an aged fleet of Public

Works vehicles and off-road equipment as wellas being assigned the task of keeping emergencyvehicles for both police and fire operative merelyallows Mr. Shermenti an opportunity to diversify‘how’ he spends his waking hours as a 24/7/365employee.Although his humil ity precludes the cape

and “S” on his shirt, Mayor James R. Brewstersays Nick Shermenti personifies the adage “if you can successfully delegate to your department heads,” McKeesport will have

a good City Administration. Thanks to Nick, the Public Works foundation of that plan is in good hands.

McKeesport’s Nick Shermenti...More than just a Public Works Director

McKeesport | Fall 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 3534 IN McKeesport

The Pittsburgh region has long been a conglomeration ofdiverse boroughs, townships and counties, but a new effort aims to partner the area with counties in three other states to form astronger region. An ultimate goal of the Power of 32 effort is to getthese municipalities to work together regarding planning, municipalcodes, job development and other needs.Sponsored by the Benedum Foundation, the Grable Foundation

and others, the nonprofit program was organized in 2009 and is the largest regional planning effort ever undertaken in the U.S., said Sue McLaughlin, an Edgewood resident who is an outreachcoordinator for Power of 32. The 32 counties in this newly definedregion are in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland. Theywere chosen as a group because all of the counties depend uponthe Pittsburgh International Airport.A series of community meetings with representatives of Power

of 32 began in June. The meetings are meant to be informationgathering sessions from which ideas regarding needs for the future of the region will be determined. McKeesport recently hosted such a meeting, holding the gathering in McKees Café,along the waterfront near the city’s McKees Point Marina. About 35 people attended the meeting.“We thought it was in the best interest of the Mon Valley to at

least be a host for this,” said McKeesport city administrator DennisPittman. “People need to be aware of what’s happening. If theydon’t get involved, apathy takes over.”

The regional effort could lead to the creation of a policy statement for the region, Pittman said. “It also gives us a chance to be players in the policy-making process.”The foundations created the Power of 32 effort as a way to help

the residents of the region create a better future for themselves,McLaughlin said. The effort’s agenda is citizen-driven and ideasfrom the meetings are refined and go back to the citizens forapproval. “Our goals are to devise practical ways to make the region a

player in the global economy and to make it a more attractive placefor people who want to come and live,” explained McLaughlin.Pretty much anyone can join the effort, adding ideas to the collection of thoughts that ultimately will be crystallized as a sort of position paper for the effort. The regional empowerment effortshould bring back more political power directly to the people, provided the public takes advantage of the opportunity, the effort’s supporters say.“Power of 32 gives us a chance to get involved,” Pittman said.

“Don’t complain; get involved.”

For more information on Power of 32, visit www.powerof32.org.

McKeesport boosts Power of 32By Jonathan Barnes

36 IN McKeesport

PRESENT

Sean Leffard has been the chief of Rainbow volunteer Fire Company forthe past 2 years. He and the other 48 members provide mutual aid toWhite Oak, South Versailles, Versailles, and parts of North HuntingtonTownship. “We have a very proactive fire prevention program in the borrow” says Leffard. Every October, the members do a fire preventionprogram in the areas elementary schools. They also speak to other organizations, like the boy scouts, who request a fire prevention program.

The Fire company added a new generator to their social hall last year.The hall is used as a disaster shelter site, and was much needed duringthe record breaking snow last winter. The company currently has 3 firetrucks and is looking to add another one in the next year.

Anyone interested in becoming a member can stop by the station to fill out an application.

Rainbow Volunteer Fire Co.


White Oak EMSPaul Falavolito has been the White Oak EMS chief for the past 13 years, and has a lot tobe proud of. In addition to the over 2,500 calls they run per year, the White Oak EMSparticipates with UPMC in all of their advanced medical research. Falavolito says thisexperience provides the ability to advance the scope of practice beyond what normalemergency medical technicians and paramedics learn in school. White Oak EMS is alsoa member of the American Medical Response (AMR) National Disaster Response Team.

“Whenever there is a big time natural disaster in the country, FEMA can activate AMRand all of their ambulance services to respond to help render aid,” explains Falavolito.

The White Oak EMS has three advanced life support ambulances – one of which wasjust purchased last year – that operate seven days a week. They are dispatched by 911to White Oak and South Versailles and provide mutual aid to all of the surroundingareas.

White Oak Search and RescuePaul Falavolito created White Oak Search and Rescue (WOSAR) in 2005 to furtherexpand White Oak’s capabilities to help people who are lost or missing and provide aidto police in any investigations or searches for articles involved in crimes. WOSAR con-sists of 35 members, 6 search and rescue dogs, a scuba rescue team, a swift water res-cue team, and a search management team.

“We respond anywhere within four hours of White Oak for anyone who needs any ofthe resources we offer,” says Falavolito, WOSAR Search Commander.

All members are certified to the state search and rescue level as well as the nationalsearch and rescue level. WOSAR members teach nationally at major search and rescueconferences, write internationally for magazines and speak at conferences around thecountry.

White Oak Police DepartmentWhite Oak Police Chief Joe Hoffman has patrolled White Oak and South VersaillesTownship for over 12 years now. One of the many programs the White Oak PoliceDepartment (WOPD) runs this winter is the “Cops and Kids” basketball program atFrancis McClure Middle School. Hoffman started the program, which is open to the gen-eral public, 12 years ago. Others include the Drug Abuse Resistance Education(D.A.R.E.) program in area schools, a crime prevention program involving various neigh-borhoods and the Citizen’s Police Academy. According to Hoffman, The Citizen’s PoliceAcademy is conducted to help the public to better understand the police department.The WOPD is also a member of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Narcotics TaskForce. They help to coordinate narcotics enforcement with numerous police depart-ments and state narcotics agents in the area.

The WOPD consists of 11 officers who patrol the 6.35 square miles of White Oak, andthe one square mile in South Versailles Township.


It Pays to Join the Chamber

Networking

Discounts

Group Purchasing

Local Advocacy

Insurance Discounts

Community Events

Business Workshops

Helping Business Save Money

Affecting LegislativeDecision-Making

Image Building

Your Local Small Business NeedsDo you miss the time when you could go into a business and theowners knew your name, gave you friendly service and excellentvalue? Did you know those days are still alive in White Oak where local business always puts, you, the customer first?

Besides, small businesses are vital to the economy of our community and our nation. Many of your friends and neighborsrely on local small businesses for their livelihood. For every $100 spent in locally owned small business, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. Spend it in a national chain and only $43 stays here.

Best, when you purchase products made, designed or constructed by your friends and neighbors, you can be assured of high quality.

RCA201 Lysle Blvd.McKeesport, PA 15132412.678.2450

38 IN McKeesport

Automated voices seem to have pervadedevery area of our lives. Recently I was taken abackwhen I called my doctor’s office for lab resultsafter my yearly check-up and was told to callanother number where an automated operatorcoldly gave me the lab numbers with noexplanation of what they meant. It is entirelypossible that I have Feldspar Disease or cataractsbecause I don’t have a clue. What’s next, beinginformed you have a serious disease via anautomated operator? For diabetes, press 1. For an insulin prescription, press 2. To freak out that you have diabetes,press 3. For more information onmanaging your diabetes, trythe internet, watch Oprah,ask your next doorneighbor, the guy onthe bus or justanyone so we don’thave to talk to you.We hate people. Thankyou for calling.Goodbye.

What has happened to us?Why do we hate talking to eachother? Someone, somewhere hasto make a stand by taking that firstphone call. What if everyone in theentire nation just agreed to startanswering their phones tomorrow?When that phone rings, just pick it upand bravely say, “Hello.” Sure the otherperson may hang up on us or evenscream at us, but be strong. They can’treach through that phone line andwring your neck no matter howthreatening they sound. And theworld will be a better place that you stood up to that phone andshowed it who’s boss. And while we’re on the subject ofimproving our world, can’twe all just agree to start theworkday at 10 a.m.? Wouldanyone really mindgetting a couple of extrahours sleep everymorning? We couldall have ice creamfor breakfast. I wasjust thinking…

By Pamela Palongue

A

s a catholic, I firmly believe that if you areforced to deal with an automated operatorfor more than 10 minutes, it should

automatically be credited towards time inpurgatory. And if you can accomplish this withoutthrowing the phone against the wall, you shouldat least be considered for canonization.

The strange thing is, if I am calling to subscribeto their services or upgrade my account, there are346 cheerful operators eagerly standing by to take my call. But if I have a problem with billing, a technical question or need repairs, I hear, “Pleasehold and the next available representative will bewith you shortly,” while I wait for one of the threecustomer service agents in North America toanswer my question. Next I am asked to enter myaccount number, the last four digits of my socialsecurity number and my zip code, only to havePhyllis eventually answer my call and ask for myaccount number, the last four digits of my socialsecurity number and my zip code. Do they do that just to keep you busy? I’m not sure. Then asfurther protection, I am asked for my mother’smaiden name, my aunt’s street address and theexact measurement of my third molar. All of this precaution is in case there are evil forces whomight want to find out if I have call waiting or how many channels I receive.

But while I wait for Phyllis, I am treated to 15thcentury Bulgarian chamber music, interruptedevery 20 seconds by a voice saying, “Did youknow that you can check your account onlineat www.Don’tBotherUs.com?” Strangely, I wouldrather just listen to the Bulgarian chamber musicwithout the interruptions. Or just stick forks intomy eyes repeatedly.

And instead of an annoying woman’s voice,can’t I at least listen to Gerard Butler’s sexyScottish accent? Or perhaps Antonio Banderas’liquid Latino purr? Why must this annoyingwoman answer the phone no matter where I call?And how much is she getting paid? Is it more orless than $40,000 a year? Could I perhaps be thenew automated woman voice? Do I have what ittakes? Why don’t tornadoes happen in the winter?

Could ice cream be considered a breakfastfood? It does have milk in it… These are

the things that I think about while I am on the phone waiting…

McKeesport | Fall 2010 incommunitymagazines.com 39

40 IN McKeesport

Mon Valley Initiative helps improve credit and buyhomes

In January 2009, a single mother in Pittsburgh decided shewas tired of being a renter. Knowing her credit was not thebest, she called around to several area non-profit agencies to see if she could get any help.

The one that returned her call first was the Mon ValleyInitiative.

“I’d heard of MVI through a couple of my friends andarticles I’d read in the newspaper,” said Lauren Hairston,who is employed as a case manager. “At the time, I’d justhad my youngest daughter and wanted a better home. Iknew I could never get what I wanted for my children aslong as I was paying rent.”

At the other end of the telephone was Mike Mauer, housing counselor for MVI.

“She seemed a little apprehensive at first,” said Mauer, who has beenhelping families into homes at the MVI for more than six years. “Manyclients are uneasy when I first speak with them. Like Lauren, a goodnumber are skeptical that their credit issues can be resolved.”

According to Mauer, taking away any apprehensions by thoroughlyexplaining the home buying process is how he earns his paycheck.Funded through grant monies provided by the U.S. Department ofHousing and Urban Development and the Pennsylvania HousingFinance Agency, MVI’s Housing Counseling Program has assisted morethan 600 families into their first homes such April 2004.

Mauer’s job as a housing counselor is to individually assess each clientduring the initial interview by reviewing their credit reports as well asincome and ratios, and to mutually develop an action plan that, if fol-lowed, will eventually lead a potential buyer to qualify for a mortgage. Healso is required to educate clients as to the best mortgage products thatare available to help fit their needs, and walk them through each step ofthe loan process from application to closing.According to Mauer, who holds a NeighborWorks® certi-fication, just two key ingredients are typically neededto repair most credit problems. “Time and money cures most credit issues,” saidMauer. “During Lauren’s initial intake, we identifiedsome past-due debt items that needed to be paid inorder for her credit score to increase enough for herto qualify for a mortgage.”

Mauer added that with developing Hairston’saction plan, the needs of her family had to be takeninto consideration as well as paying bills andpast-due debt.

“When working out her action plan, wewere mindful of the fact that she had twoyoung daughters to care for.”

Mauer added that allowing for the young mother’sextra expenses to cover the needs of two small chil-dren in her household budget may have delayed Ms.Hairston from becoming ready for a mortgage asquickly as she would have liked. But according toMauer, taking the additional few months had anadded benefit for her, “When Lauren first came here,the interest rate for the mortgage product that she wasto qualify for was 6.25 percent,” the housing coun-selor said. “About a year later, the interest rate forthat particular loan dropped more than a full percent-age point.”

Mauer also attributed the recently expired tax cred-it program offered through the Federal Government

as a key reason why his agency is seeing more low-to-moderate incomehomebuyers over the last several months.

“Ms. Hairston was able to use part of her tax credit to offset her closingcosts thanks to a special program offered through the PHFA,” saidMauer. “That program coupled with some assistance offered through theseller helped give her some extra funds to complete the deal.” As part of her housing counseling, Ms. Hairston also discovered that shewas able to qualify for a fully renovated home with updated features andappliances. As part of a neighborhood stabilization program on MapleStreet lead through the efforts of the Turtle Creek DevelopmentCorporation and developed by the Mon Valley Initiative and Allegheny

County, Ms. Hairston’s Turtle Creek house is one of hun-dreds built by MVI throughout the Mon Valley that has

turned formerly eyesore properties into attractive taxgenerating homes for many area communities. The

effort also fills an area need for high qualify affordablefamily housing.

For Ms. Hairston, using the MVI to help withbuying her home was a good experience.

“They taught me that I never have to be arenter again,” said Hairston. “And believe

me, I don’t ever want to be.”Like Ms. Hairston, future homeowners

are welcome to schedule individualappointments with MVI’s housing coun-selor and get information on upcomingMVI home construction. This includeshomes being built in Homestead,Swissvale and Charleroi.


42 IN McKeesport42 724.942.0940 to advertise | Woodland Hills

ow important is involvement in extracurricular activities? Is doing volunteerwork important? How do GPA and SAT scores factor into acceptance?

These are the questions many teens and their parents are pondering as they lookinto the next phase within the education process – college. By Karen Ferrieri


While all of the information out there is readily available, if youdo have questions or run into stumbling blocks along the way, your high school guidance counselor is there to assist you throughout the process as well.

Make sure you have a target list of schools thatcontains three tiers that you go after.Your first tier is your safety schools,those that you feel strongly you will getaccepted to. The second tier on the list

contains your target schools, thoseschools that you really would like to go to, however you have to be reallycertain to meet the grade requirements,etc. to make sure that you stand outagainst applicants to get accepted. And,finally, the third tier is your reach schools,those schools that really are a far stretch foryou, but that you’d like to at least try to get accepted to. Having this tiered list of schools

that you are applying to will ensure acceptance to a school that youare interested in.

Once you have a career path in mind and a few colleges/universi-ties that you are considering, do your research and do not be afraidto consult with your guidance counselor, college admission staffand others who currently work within the profession that you are interested in. You’ll be amazed at how much information and assistance is out there to help you prepare for college entrance.

There are a ton of resources out there to guide you through theprocess of ‘getting ready for college,’ but this process can be veryoverwhelming. Many people search online for answers and you candefinitely find a number of websites online such as www.ehow.comto help guide you through the process. Ehow.com reads like a ‘howto get into college’ instruction manual.

Work with your school guidance counselor to plan your classes.

Plan out your classes carefully. Take the most challenging course work you can because

college admission counselors would rather see you tackle harder courses than to settle for easier courses just to get higher grades. They look for overall grade trends and class rank. Be careful though not to take toomany or to set yourself up for failure.

Nail your PSATs, SATs and ACT exams. Get involved in extracurricular activities in your school

and community. Stay committed to following through for a few months or years with that activity.

Develop a theme that runs through your high school years with the classes and activities that you participate in. For instance, if you love to paint, take art classes atschool, volunteer with organizations that promote artawareness, etc.

Plan your summer with college in mind. Stay active and consider what your theme is and stay involved with things that are in line with the theme.

Get to know key people at the college that you want toattend.

Following these steps will enable you to have a college application worthy of acceptance.

Mr. Bob Atkins, Director ofAdmissions for Washington andJefferson College summed it up prettysimply. “Most colleges are looking for the best fit for the college.” Forinstance, he said, “While academicsare important, extracurricular involvement, being able to show leadership ability, employment history and progression of grades are also equally as important.”

Atkins recommended, “If possible,find out how to get a face-to-face interview with someonewithin the college. Consider when you apply for any college programthat the majority of applicants are all 4.0 high school students withthe SAT scores necessary to get them into a great college. So, what will make you stand out against them? Then, go out and do what it takes to prove that you have the necessary means to show motivation to succeed and the ability to continue to grow within any program. And, while colleges are seeing more ‘Gap Year’ admission students [those who have chosen to take a year off after high school before entering college] they look at those applicants to see what they’ve done during the ‘off’ year that shows productivity.”

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44 724.942.0940 to advertise | IN McKeesport

orking as a fraud investigator for Mellon Bank, Ann Flasck wasfollowing the career path she had chosen when she had decidedyears before to study Criminology at Indiana University of

Pennsylvania. But Flasck, of Peters Township, through no fault of herown, lost her job and was given severance pay several years ago.

The change opened her eyes to other potential opportunities. Flasck used her time on severance pay to take a welding class. “I wantedto learn how to weld to make furniture and artwork,” she said. “Then Ifound out about the trade unions and in 2005 I took the steamfitters’[apprenticeship] test.”

Flasck, 44, a South Park High School graduate, has had steadywork with the union ever since she joined the group. The pay is high—$30 per hour—and a Steamfitters union member can get asmuch work as she wants, Flasck said, noting that she has becomecertified as a welder and obtained other skills to increase her abilityto be hired for jobs.

As many in Western Pennsylvania are learning through the hardshipsof the recent recession, work in the trades can be a high-paying career

bereft of work stoppages. Trade work providessteady employment that is fulfilling to

people who don’t enjoy work in anoffice setting. College is not for

everyone and the cost of such aneducation is becoming more and

more difficult for many familiesto bear. Newspapers andmagazines are full of stories of students who took on theburdensome college debt that

they are struggling to pay off.But for those with a strong

work ethic, some mechanicalaptitude and a desire to be a part

of building something, becoming amember of a union could be an ideal career

choice. Fortunately for those in the Pittsburgh area,the chance to work with the insulators, electricians, laborers, carpentersor other unions is greater than ever, due to the state-of-the-art trainingprograms these and other local unions provide.

“It’s neat tobuild things—to seesomething you’ve worked on turn intosomething,” Flasck said.

The time commitment to becoming a fullmember of a union might not be for everyone,though. Steamfitters Local #499 takes in anywherefrom 12 to 30 new members each year, a group thatis winnowed from about 300 who take the initial testand interview for a slot with the union, said KenBroadbent, business manager for Steamfitters Local#449, located along Woodruff Street in the South Hills.Unlike some jobs, there is no age discrimination in theunion apprentice selection process—twenty-somethingsand older folks starting a second career have an equal shot at union membership.

The Steamfitters apprenticeshipprogram requires 1,000 hours ofschooling at night for each apprentice, as well as 2,000 hours per year ofguaranteed employment over the five-yearapprenticeship. Those man-hours are paid,along with full benefits. Apprentices start at $12 per hour and eventually make $30 per hour as steamfitters, but you have to be fit.

“You have to be physically able to perform thework because there’s lifting and climbing, and workingin the cold and in the heat,” Broadbent said. “For everyhour a journeyman works, we take 50 cents out of hispay to put towards the training program.”

The average age of an apprentice is actually 27 years old, said Jason Fincke, executive director of the builder’s Guild of Western Pennsylvania, alabor/management organization that includes bothcontractors and unions. Apprentices earn between $10 and $15 per hour their first year, receiving average yearly raises of $3.50 annually during their training.


The average building trades worker earns$45,000 per year, Fincke noted. WesternPennsylvania has 17 union apprenticeshipschools and all are tuition-free, he said.

Studies have shown that a collegeeducation might actually be a waste ofmoney for many of those who attend,Fincke said, and so union membership is anincreasingly smart career choice. “Onlyabout 5 percent of college graduates makemore money than people in the buildingtrades,” he said.

While work in construction is hard andphysically demanding, the industry isn’taffected in the same way by economicconditions as other industries areimpacted, Fincke added. “You can’toutsource construction,” he said.

With union workers averaging wages of $25 to $35 per hour, unions are manysmart workers’ choice for gainfulemployment, Fincke said. “There’s a myth out there that to be successful youhave to go to college… Building trade work can provide a very good living and a very good wage,” he said.

For more information on apprenticeshipsin the trades in the Pittsburgh area, visit the Builder’s Guild of WesternPennsylvania’s web site, atwww.buildersguild.org.

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Dr. Patel received her medical degree from the Government Medical College, Veer Narmad South Gujarat Uni, India. She completed her residency in family medicine at UPMC McKeesport.

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Dr. Darcy Giger & Associates–UPMC2397 Mountain View Drive West Mifflin, PA 15122 412-650-9700

46 724.942.0940 to advertise | IN McKeesport

A survey conducted by the InvestorProtection Trust in May 2010 revealed thatover 7.3 million senior citizens in the U.S. have“been taken advantage of financially in terms ofan inappropriate investment, unreasonably highfees for financial services, or outright fraud.”That equates to about one in five senior citizenswho have been scammed.

Mary Bach, a member of AARP’sPennsylvania executive counsel, said that fraudagainst senior citizens can come in just aboutany form. Some of the more popular scamsinclude lottery scams, sweepstake scams, emailscams, charity scams, and even jury duty scams.

“Caution and moving slowly are paramountin any of these situations. And not allowingyourself to be pressured into giving eitherpersonal information or any amount of moneywithout doing your own personal due diligenceor homework on the issue,” Bach said abouthow to generally avoid scams.

Here are some other tips Bach gives to helpsenior citizens better avoid scams and fraud:• Don’t give money to a charity over thephone. Ask them to mail you something. Thisgives time to research the charity. Chances are,if the charity is just a scam they won’t send youanything anyway.• Always be wary of any letter, email, orphone call that requires an immediate or quick response. If there isn’t enough time to carefully consider a proposition beforecommitting to it, there is probably a reason.• Remember the adage “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

• When dealing with a financial planner or retirement advisor, make sure that both they and what they are selling are registeredwith the state of Pennsylvania. To check on the registration and history of a salesperson,financial plan, or product call either thePennsylvania Insurance Commission at1.877.881.6388 or the Pennsylvania SecuritiesCommission at 1.800.600.0007. • Discuss what you are thinking of doingwith a trusted friend or family member beforemaking any final decisions. Two heads arebetter than one and someone might recognize a red flag that you didn’t see.• Sign up for both the state and national ‘do not call’ lists. These will weed out mostlegitimate solicitors so if a soliciting call getsthrough, there is already a warning sign.

Retirement; it’s a stage oflife that many people look forward to. It’s achance to relax, and finally accomplish lifelonggoals. It can also be an opportunity to make upfor lost time with family and friends. For many,however, retirement can mean having so muchtime with so little to do, and often no longerhaving a job can lead to no longer have a senseof accomplishment or self worth.

There is a solution to the problem though.Volunteering can not only give retired seniorcitizens a new sense of purpose but it can alsohelp the community, the economy, and thefuture of the country.

Good Tidings for the Greatest GenerationOlder Adults in McKeesport

“There is just talk about, as the economycontinues to be on a bit of a downslide, howimportant volunteers are,” said Mary Bach, amember of AARP’s Pennsylvania executivecounsel. “Lots of older consumers have reallywonderful skills and backgrounds that can be ofbenefit.”

Volunteer opportunities for senior citizens inthe Pittsburgh area can range from helping delivermail at a hospital to working with high schoolstudents in a classroom environment through the University of Pittsburgh’s “GenerationsTogether” program.

“Volunteering makes people feel good, but it not only is self serving to that degree thatyou’re happy about doing something that youenjoy personally, but the beneficiaries of thatvolunteerism gain so much,” Bach, a senior citizen herself, said.

Some other ways for senior citizens to getinvolved are through senior citizen organizationssuch as AARP and The Senior Source. Many local libraries also offer volunteer positions.

AARP’s “Create the Good” program is focused on helping senior citizens find volunteeropportunities that will fit their schedule, meettheir personal interests, and help their community.To get involved with “Create the Good,” go towww.createthegood.org or call 1.800.556.0242.

by Josh Wetmore


Senior Agencies

Transportation For Older AdultsThere are several agencies that offer free or reduced ratetransportation services to individuals who qualify.

Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP)1.888.547.6287Provides non-emergency medical transportation to residents ofAllegheny County who have a valid Pennsylvania Department ofPublic Welfare Medical Assistance Card.

Free Bus Pass for Senior CitizensThe Port Authority allows Allegheny County residents, 65 years ofage and older, to ride free on local public transportation (buses,trolleys and rapid-transit lines). Participants must obtainidentification cards, which are available free of charge, fromparticipating transportation providers. Call 412.442.2000 for thelocation nearest to you.

Older Persons Transportation Transportation for medical appointments, grocery shopping,senior center activities and other needs throughout AlleghenyCounty is available to adults 60 years of age and older who live inAllegheny County. Call SeniorLine at 412.350.5460.

ACCESS 65 Plus and ACCESS ADA Program 412.562.5353 or TDD 1.800.654.5984ACCESS is door-to-door, advance reservation, shared-ridetransportation provided throughout Port Authority’s service area. It serves primarily senior citizens and persons with disabilities. There are no restrictions on the purpose or number of trips which may be taken by riders, except that riders are required to share their vehicle with others traveling in the samedirection and at the same time.Are you a nonprofit Senior Center serving the needs of our community’solder adults?We would be happy to post your contact information. ContactMarybeth@incommunity magazines.com with your center’s name and phone number.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT!Please submit your information, including a phone number and e-mail information to: [email protected]

or call 724.942.0940

Forest Hills Senior Center Braddock Hills Center444 Avenue D 3000 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 Pittsburgh, PA 15221412.824.5610 412.824.9660

S.P.C Matthew Colbert, 21, from McKeesport, is currently home after serving 13 months with the 88th MP Command in Mosul Iraq. He will be attending the Allegheny County Police Academybeginning in January 2011 and is looking forward to a career in law enforcement.

Mckeesport Military Heroes

Do you know someone who isserving in the armed forcesfrom the McKeesport area?

We would like to honor their commitment by featuring them in this magazine.Please forward your name, the soldier’s name and where they are serving,along with a photo to [email protected].

Help us recognize these fine men and women!

Marine Lance Corporal Edward Maine,from McKeesport, is currently

stateside in Boston after serving 6 months in Afghanistan and previously

being stationed in Okinowa, Japan.

F A L L 2 0 1 0

on th

e go...

When you meet T-Bone, hewill offer you a Beagle smileand shyly, by surely, try toclimb into your lap. Thisgentle fellow is brimmingwith affection and simplyneeds someone to give it to. A couple months ago,

T-Bone probably felt like theluckiest, most beloved dog in theworld. But then, sadly, his owner passedaway. T-Bone came to Animal Friends, 10 years old and hoping to find a secondchance and a fresh start. T-Bone is calm, lovable, and simply

wants to share your company. He iscurious and friendly around other dogs and

enjoys peaceful rides in the car.He is crate trained and alwayspolite. But most of all, T-Boneis lovable. He adores peopleand constantly wants tocuddle. While it’s obviousthat he loves all women,we’ve noticed that he is

particularly drawn to men.Perhaps they remind him of his Dad,

who he misses so much. If you are lookingfor a companion who’s more interested incuddling and relaxing than playing, T-Bonecould be the one for you. T-Bone is currently in foster care. If you

can help a loving and deserving dog, callAnimal Friends at 412.847.7002.

Back to School JokesQ: What's the worst thing you're likely tofind in the school cafeteria?A: The food!

Q: Why did nose not want to go to school?A: He was tired of getting picked on!

Q: How do you get straight A's?A: By using a ruler!

Q: What did the pen say tothe pencil?A: "So, what's yourpoint?"

Q: What did you learn inschool today?A: "Not enough, I have to goback tomorrow!"

Adopt a Pet: T-Bone

48 IN McKeesport48 724.942.0940 to advertise | IN McKeesport

Arc Ministry1501 Union Avenue

Bethlehem Baptist Church716 Walnut Street

Beulah Park United Methodist ChurchGrandview Avenue

Bryn Mawr Church of Christ2901 State Street

Calvary United Methodist Church1915 Bailey Avenue

Central Presbyterian Church1510 Versailles Avenue

Christ Temple AME Church937 Rose Street

Christ United Methodist Churchof North Huntingdon Twnshp2800 Coulter Road

Church of Christ947 Franklin Street

Church of The Good SamaritanSouthern Street

Coulter Road Baptist Church225 Coulter Road

Creative Ministries Berachah1422 Evans Avenue

Evangelical CongregationalChurchWalnut Street

Faith Lutheran Church1656 Lincoln Way

First Christian Church1025 McCleary Street

First Church of Christ Scientist1028 Fawcett Avenue

First Church of the Open Bible719 Union Avenue

First Evangelical Free Church4001 University Drive

First Spiritualist Church809 Locust Street

First United Methodist Church of McKeesportVersailles Avenue

Free Hungarian Reformed Church101 University Drive

Gemilas Chesed Synagogue1400 Summit Street

Glassport Assembly of GodChurch210 5th Avenue

Gospel Hall AssemblyPrescott Street

Greek Orthodox Church Annunciation1128 Summitt Street

Greenock Methodist Church1213 Greenock Buena Vista Road

Highland Grove United Methodist Church2909 Highland Avenue

Holy Family Polish NationalCatholic1921 Eden Park Boulevard

Hope United Methodist Church2401 Jenny Lind Street

Immanuel U P Church525 Market Street

Kephart United Methodist Church906 Fawcett Avenue

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness3535 Foster Road

Liberty Presbyterian ChurchElizabeth Street

McKeesport Alliance Church938 Summitt Street

McKeesport Church of God Mission1301 Soles Street

Mount Vernon CommunityPresbyterian Church2200 Buena Vista Road

New Jerusalem Holiness Church In Duquesne2130 Lewis Street

Park Baptist Church749 Center Street

Port Vue United Methodist Church1565 Washington Boulevard

Rehoboth Apostolic Church1910 Grandview Avenue

Riverview Baptist Church General Conference1911 Soles Street

Saint Angela Merici1640 Fawcett Avenue

Saint John The Baptist Ukrainian Church1907 Eden Park Boulevard

Saint Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church329 9th Street

Saint Mark Parish1101 Romine Avenue

Saint Martin Deporres Parish704 Market StreetSaint Mary Czestochowa2515 Versailles Avenue

Saint Marys Russian Orthodox Church330 Shaw Avenue

Saint Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church410 6th Street

Saint Patrick Church310 32nd Street

Saint Paul AME Church1350 Locust Street

Saint Plus2911 Versailles Avenue

Saint Sava Church Hall901 Hartman Street

Saint Stephens Episcopal Church220 8th Street

Sampsons Mills PresbyterianChurch1665 Lincoln Way

St. Denis Church Rectory5110 3rd Street

St. Joseph Rectory1125 Romine Avenue

St. Marys German Church414 Olive Street

St. Marys Romanian ByzantineRite Catholic Church318 26th Street

Temple B’Nai Israel Synagogue2025 Cypress Drive

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day SaintsFoyer Center Street

Voice of Vision OutreachMinistries Incorporated723 Walnut Street

Wesley United Methodist ChurchBroadway Avenue

West Side United MethodistChurch305 Atlantic Avenue

Zion Baptist Church1300 Locust Street

Don’t see your church listed? E-mail your information to:[email protected]. Listings are free and a servicefrom IN McKeesport AreaMagazine.

H O U S E S O F W O R S H I P

Do you know someone who is serving in the armed forces from the McKeesportarea?We would like to honor their commitment by featuring them in this magazine.Please forward your name, the soldier’s name and where they are serving, along with a photo to [email protected]

F A L L 2 0 1 0on th

e go...

When you meet T-Bone, hewill offer you a Beagle smileand shyly, by surely, try toclimb into your lap. Thisgentle fellow is brimmingwith affection and simplyneeds someone to give it to. A couple months ago,

T-Bone probably felt like theluckiest, most beloved dog in theworld. But then, sadly, his owner passedaway. T-Bone came to Animal Friends, 10 years old and hoping to find a secondchance and a fresh start. T-Bone is calm, lovable, and simply

wants to share your company. He iscurious and friendly around other dogs and

enjoys peaceful rides in the car.He is crate trained and alwayspolite. But most of all, T-Boneis lovable. He adores peopleand constantly wants tocuddle. While it’s obviousthat he loves all women,we’ve noticed that he is

particularly drawn to men.Perhaps they remind him of his Dad,

who he misses so much. If you are lookingfor a companion who’s more interested incuddling and relaxing than playing, T-Bonecould be the one for you. T-Bone is currently in foster care. If you

can help a loving and deserving dog, callAnimal Friends at 412.847.7002.

Back to School JokesQ: What's the worst thing you're likely tofind in the school cafeteria?A: The food!

Q: Why did nose not want to go to school?A: He was tired of getting picked on!

Q: How do you get straight A's?A: By using a ruler!

Q: What did the pen say tothe pencil?A: "So, what's yourpoint?"

Q: What did you learn inschool today?A: "Not enough, I have to goback tomorrow!"

Adopt a Pet: T-Bone

| IN BEDFORD COUNTY |

| IN BETHEL PARK |

| IN BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN- WHITEHALL |

| IN CANON-MAC |

| IN CHARTIERS VALLEY |

| IN FOX CHAPEL AREA |

| IN HAMPTON |

| IN KEYSTONE OAKS |

| INMARS AREA |

| McKEESPORT AREA |

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